SELANGOR, 30 SEPTEMBER 2021 – Yayasan Sime Darby (YSD) has committed RM2.5 million in a one-year sponsorship to support the Malaysian Zoological Society (MZS). The sponsorship kicked off in September 2021 and provides full range care support for 83 Malaysian mammals and birds, comprising of 5 local mammals and 2 local bird species, which are classified as endangered wildlife species under the IUCN Red List. These animals are the Asian Elephants (2), Malayan Tigers (6), Orangutans (3), White – Handed Gibbons (8), Malayan Gaur (3), Hornbill (13) and Milky Stork (48). YSD’s funding will be disbursed in stages and specifically covers the costs for food, medical and enclosure maintenance as well as the animal keepers’ salaries.
As the national zoo’s income is highly dependent on ticket sales, MZS has been facing major loss of income due to its inevitable closure to public following the enforcement of the Movement Control Orders (MCO) throughout 2020 and 2021. YSD’s funding will help to alleviate the financial burden faced by the zoo during this challenging period and pave the way for MZS to reach out to other corporations and the public to come forward with similar support which will help to keep the zoo’s operations afloat.
YSD will be collaborating with MZS to organise publicity initiatives during the sponsorship to increase public awareness and educate them on wildlife, particularly focusing on children to instil and nurture an appreciation towards the uniqueness of the endangered wildlife species in our landscape. More importantly, YSD hopes that this support will raise awareness on the need for increased wildlife conservation efforts among the younger generation.
YSD’s Chairman, Y.A.M Tunku Tan Sri Imran Ibni Almarhum Tuanku Ja’afar said: “YSD feels that our commitment of RM2.5 million for a one-year funding is of utmost importance to defray the operational costs of the Malaysian Zoological Society for the upkeep of the 7 identified species amongst its vast population of animals and their habitat. We are very concerned about the welfare of the animals due to the effect of the prolonged MCO, with no other major income stream to sustain the zoo’s operations. I take this opportunity to urge other corporations to consider joining us in this noble cause of supporting Zoo Negara in their untiring efforts to sustain the operations of our national zoo which has been an important icon and a major tourist attraction in Malaysia for the past 60 years, which also serves to educate the children of Malaysia about the importance of conserving animal species in the wild.”
“Zoo Negara Malaysia is currently facing one of its most challenging times due to the COVID-19 imposed lock down by the government. However, we are so glad and greatly appreciative of the wonderful efforts shown by Yayasan Sime Darby in wanting to assist us in sustaining the daily operational costs of our animals. On behalf of our Management and operational team, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to Yayasan Sime Darby for this strong unwavering support and generous contribution.” said YBhg. Dato’ Sr. Zaharin Bin Md. Arif.
It is hoped that other corporates, the general public and other institutions will come forward with their respective support to ensure the sustainability of the zoo’s operations while raising awareness towards conservation of animals in the wild.
