Melaka Zoo to be privatised.

Date: 22 November, 2012

Melaka Zoo to be privatised.

MELAKA (Nov 21, 2012): The Melaka government will take over management of the Melaka Zoo from the Wildlife and National Park Department by the end of the year, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam. He said the zoo was to be privatised to make it a choice destination for tourists visiting the state.

Mohd Ali said the privatisation initiative would be handled by Wildlife Productions Sdn Bhd, Koperasi Bela Masyarakat Melaka Berhad (Kobemas) and Koperasi Hang Tuah Jaya. He said the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry had verbally agreed to the privatisation plan.

"Although the Melaka Zoo is among the best zoos in Malaysia with revenue from ticket collection amounting to more than RM3 million a year, the privatisation will make it more viable, he told reporters after chairing the state executive council meeting here today.

Following the privatisation, Mohd Ali said the Melaka Zoo would no longer receive the RM4 million subsidy from the federal government. "From then on, its revenue will depend on ticket sales only," he added.

Mohd Ali said the zoo would also be rebranded as 'Melaka Zoo and Night Safari'.

"After the privatisation process, the existing staff at the zoo will be absorbed as contract employees with the Hang Tuah Jaya Municipal Council," he said. – Bernama

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