KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry is assessing a proposal to set up an Elephant Conservation Centre in Tawau by the Teck Guan Cocoa Village
State Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister, Dr Andi Md Samsureezal Mohd Sainal, said the ministry was preparing guidelines for the proposed project.
“Beyond creating a new tourism product, we must ensure the elephants’ welfare is guaranteed and that the site is safe for visitors,” he said after officiating the An Initiative of Tawau Tourism Board programme at Teck Guan Cocoa Village in Tawau.
Dr Andi said the centre, if approved and set up, was expected to receive elephants now being rehabilitated at Lok Kawi Wildlife Park in Kota Kinabalu.
“This approach is more suitable compared to taking in wild elephants, as safety and animal welfare must be prioritised,” he added.
