RM11mil aid for zoos and permanent exhibitions during pandemic
PETALING JAYA: More than RM11 million worth of aid was channelled to zoos and permanent exhibitions over the course of the pandemic. Energy and natural resources minister Takiyuddin Hassan said this in a written parliamentary response to Xavier Jayakumar (PH-Kuala Langat) who had asked about the government’s efforts to help…
PETALING JAYA: More than RM11 million worth of aid was channelled to zoos and permanent exhibitions over the course of the pandemic.
Energy and natural resources minister Takiyuddin Hassan said this in a written parliamentary response to Xavier Jayakumar (PH-Kuala Langat) who had asked about the government’s efforts to help zoos and similar attractions, many of which were forced to close during the pandemic.
Takiyuddin said that as of August, the affected premises had received a total of RM7.3 million in monetary aid from the wildlife and national parks department (Perhilitan), distributed in stages to 22 operators.
He also said 205.9 tonnes of confiscated frozen meat and bones, worth RM4.1 million, were sent to these premises in collaboration with the department of quarantine and inspection services.
The ministry had also provided advisory services and expert assistance to staff and veterinary officers at Perhilitan regarding wildlife transfers and health monitoring.
On long-term initiatives, Takiyuddin said a new model for zoos and permanent exhibitions would be developed and that regulations governing their operation under the Wildlife Conservation Act 2020 would be reviewed. — Free Malaysia Today