KOTA KINABALU: State Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry has dismissed claims by certain quarters that the animals and facilities in Lok Kawi Wildlife Park near here, are in a bad shape.
Minister Christina Liew, who visited the park today for the first time under the state administration led by Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal, said she was satisfied with the condition and that such concerns shouldn’t have risen.
Liew however noted that some of the living space for the animal there were in need of upgrading, with some were under way.
“We will try to do our best in making this place better as it is an attraction for both locals and international tourists.
“The biggest challenge I see right now is future planning to ensure it could accommodate more wildlife individuals in future.
“So I want the stakeholders involved to discuss on what kind of improvements could be done,” she told reporters.
Christina who is also deputy chief minister, however said there was no need to relocate the wildlife park to a bigger site – which was one of the past suggestions – as the current location was sufficient.
“This location is good and strategic enough. We just need to improve on facilities and the programmes offered to visitors as well as the numbers of attractions in here,” she added.
This was not the first time the management of the park has received criticisms, where the care for the wildlife were said to be lacking.
The latest was reported by a news portal last week, quoting an non-governmental organisation (NGO) who claimed the place was unkempt and the living condition of the animals there needed improvement.