MAPIM donates over five tonnes of food to Melaka Zoo

MELAKA: The plight of more than 600 animals at Melaka Zoo continues to receive attention, with the Malaysian Consultative Council for Islamic Organisations (MAPIM) coming forward to donate more than five tonnes of animal food.

MAPIM chief executive officer, Ahmad Sani Araby Al-Kahery, said the total contribution, estimated to be worth more than RM30,000, is expected to be able to help cover the zoo's declining funds to look after the welfare and treatment of the animals.

"For almost a year, Melaka Zoo has been quiet without visitors, and this has to some extent affected the employees. So this contribution is as a mission of love in an effort to help, and a sign of support to Melaka Zoo," he told reporters after presenting the contribution to the Hang Tuah Jaya Municipal Council (MPHTJ) president, Datuk Shadan Othman, at Melaka Zoo today.

Also present was the motivator, Prof Datuk Dr Mohd Izhar Ariff, and celebrity, Zizan Razak.

He said apart from donations in the form of vegetables, fruits and nuts, MAPIM also contributed 100 kilogrammes (kg) of turmeric powder for skin treatment for three friendly elephants, known as Lily, 10, Mala, 18, and Hani, 44.

Ahmad Sani also explained that apart from animal food, MAPIM also donated food kits to 95 employees involved in the Melaka Zoo operation.

"Our mission today is to create a smile among the caretakers of these animals, who work hard to look after animal welfare here," said Ahmad Sani who also presented donations to trishaw riders and Malaysia Civil Defence Force (APM) frontliners in the state.

Meanwhile, Shadan said Melaka Zoo will receive a refrigerated storage container next month, donated by a private company in Kuala Lumpur, to store animal feed to ensure that the food supply would last longer.

-- BERNAMA