Malacca state govt takes over management of zoo

The state government will take over management of the Melaka Zoo from the Wildlife and National Park Department, the latest, by end of the year for privatisation purpose, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam said yesterday.

He said the privatisation initiative, to be handled by Wildlife Productions Sdn Bhd, Koperasi Bela Masyarakat Melaka Berhad (Kobemas) and Koperasi Hang Tuah Jaya, was aimed at making the zoo among the best destinations for tourists in the state.

The Natural Resources and Environment Ministry, he said, had verbally agreed to the privatisation plan.

"Although the Melaka Zoo is among the best zoo in Malaysia with ticket collection amounting to more than RM3 million a year, the privatisation move is capable of making it more viable, he told reporters after chairing the state executive council meeting here on Wednesday.

Following the privatisation, Mohd Ali said the Melaka Zoo would cease from receiving the RM4 million subsidy from the federal government.From then on, its revenue will depend on ticket sales, he added.

He said the zoo would also be rebranded and would be known as 'Melaka Zoo and Night Safari'.

After the privatisation process, the existing zoo staff would be absorbed as contract employees with the Hang Tuah Jaya Municipal Council, he added.