News

Zoo Negara Running Out Of Money

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 17 – Zoo Negara is facing a financial crisis because of the loss of income caused by the third wave of COVID-19.

Zoo Negara zoology, veterinary & Giant Panda Conservation Centre director, Dr. Mat Naim Ramli, said they only have enough emergency funds to last three months.

He said the zoo’s closure since the conditional movement control order (CMCO) was imposed made it difficult to meet operating costs, which total about RM1 mln per month.

He said that wages cost RM400,000, food totals RM350,000, and utilities come to RM180,000.

He told Bernama when contacted that revenue picked up during the recovery movement control order (RMCO) and that “Zoo Negara made RM450,000 in June, RM1 mln in July, RM1.3 mln in August and RM850,000 September, but only RM150,000 in October”.

Recently, the Islamic preacher, Ebit Lew, answered the call for aid and donated 200kg of meat and 500kg of fruit and vegetables to feed Zoo Negara’s animals.

Dr. Mat Naim said that in the early stage of the movement control order (MCO), Zoo Negara (under the Malaysian Zoological Society) was able to pay for the upkeep of 5,137 animals through the Adopt an Animal program.

He said that the RM1.3 mln given by the government in April was only able to cover operating expenses for a month, with RM689,000 used to pay for panda insurance and the rest going for animal food and medical costs.

He said the government helped many zoos during the first wave of COVID-19, “but we have not received any assistance since the CMCO started on Oct 14.

“Maybe the government is still finding the best way to help zoos manage their high operating costs.”

Dr. Mat Naim said donations are welcome and appreciated. For more information on how you can help, visit www.zoonegaramalaysia.my/adopt.html

Sources: BERNAMA

Adib Mohd

Recent Posts

Maxim Rolls Out Partner-Driver Legalization Program to Elevate Compliance and Road Safety

Maxim, one of Malaysia’s leading e-hailing platforms, has officially introduced a Partner-Driver Legalization Program designed… Read More

1 hour ago

Sabah Crowned Malaysia’s Favourite Destination, A Paradise of Peaks, Seas, and Culture Awaits!

Sabah, located in the north-eastern part of Borneo, has officially earned the title of Malaysia’s… Read More

1 hour ago

Coca‑Cola Brings Back ‘Share a Coke’ Now With a Proudly Malaysian Twist

This Merdeka, Coca‑Cola is turning up the nostalgia and the local flavour. The iconic ‘Share… Read More

19 hours ago

11 Women, 8 Countries, 1 Dream: ASEAN-UK SAGE Women in STEM Scholarships 2025 Announced

Picture this: 11 brilliant women from across ASEAN are packing their bags, not just for… Read More

23 hours ago

L’Oréal Malaysia Celebrates 30 Years of Beauty Innovation and Impact

L’Oréal Groupe today marked its 30th anniversary in Malaysia, celebrating three decades of bringing world-class… Read More

24 hours ago

Smiles Are the New Flex, But 34% of Malaysians Still Hide Theirs

Smiles aren’t just cosmetic anymore they’re currency. But here’s the catch: 34% of people admit… Read More

24 hours ago

This website uses cookies.