KEMAMAN: Inefficiencies at the Kemaman Recreational Park and Zoo are being addressed accordingly, assured the PAS-led Terengganu state government.
Terengganu tourism, culture and information technology committee chairman Ariffin Deraman said that there were plans in place to ensure the facility was properly functional.
“There are shortcomings there, which we are addressing in stages.
“Thus far, we have completed the first stage of maintenance and rehabilitation of the facility.
“The remaining two stages are expected to be completed in due course,” said Ariffin.
He dismissed claims by certain quarters that the facility was being grossly neglected, leading to improper care of the animals and its habitat.
Ariffin added that the cost of the facility’s upkeep was also considerable and the state government was seeking the assistance from the National Parks and Wildlife Department.
Meanwhile, an aide to Menteri Besar Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar forwarded NSTP some photographs of animals at the zoo, which appeared in good condition.
He also dismissed any claims of mistreatment of the animals which were well cared for by veterinarians and animal handlers.
Earlier this year, the Kemaman Municipal Council also refuted claims by two non-governmental organisations (NGOs) that animals kept at the zoo, opened in 2009, were living in appalling conditions.
It had also denied that several resident animals had reportedly died under suspicious circumstances over the past year, including gibbons, tapirs and sun bears.