Zoos back Malaysian Wildlife Conservation Bill

R. Sittamparam and Kristina George, The Star 26 Apr 10;

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Association of Zoological Parks and Aquaria (Mazpa) has come out in support of the proposed Wildlife Conservation Act 2010, which is expected to be enforced at the end of the year to ensure that animal welfare is given priority by zoos.

The Wildlife Conservation Bill was tabled for the first reading at the Dewan Rakyat recently, and is scheduled for second reading in June.

Under the provisions of the proposed act, which is to replace the Wildlife Protection Act 1972, poachers will face stiff penalties.

The Wildlife and National Parks Department will also be empowered to regulate the establishment and running of zoos.

Mazpa chairman Dr Kevin Lazarus said: "At present, zoos are only required to obtain special permits for bringing in and keeping animal exhibits and there is little government interference in their operations.

"The new act will enable the government to closely monitor zoo operations to ensure that they comply with the proper standards of animal welfare."

He said Mazpa regularly evaluated the welfare of animals at the premises of its 13 members and would advise them to rectify any shortcomings.

"We are glad the government is taking steps to ensure that the country's zoos conform to a certain standard.

"This is important, especially with the emergence of private zoos in the country, many of whom are not Mazpa members," added Lazarus, who is also director of Taiping Zoo.

Natural Resources and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Douglas Uggah Embas said the proposed act showed that the government was committed to protecting wildlife and nature in the country.

He said the new law would ensure that those found guilty of hunting or keeping female creatures under the wildlife protection list would face fines up to RM100,000 or a prison term up to five years or both.

Zoo Negara director Dr Mohamad Ngah said recent criticisms that the welfare of animals at Zoo Negara had been compromised because of a lack of funds were unfounded.

"We maintain high standards of animal welfare as we are certified by the Southeast Asian Zoo Association and the World Association of Zoos.

"In complying with international standards, we have even stopped orang utan and elephant shows."

He said 85 per cent of the zoo's revenue was from gate sales and the rest from donations.

Mohamad said the zoo had only sought government funds for development projects, such as adding more animal enclosures.