Wildlife Dept taking action

Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah Wildlife Department is taking action to release several sun bears caged for recreational purposes at the Tawau Hot Springs Recreational Park.This followed an expose by an international media of the poor conditions of the steel cages where the animals were kept.

State Wildlife Department Director William Baya, when approached on Sunday, said actions are being taken but declined to comment further.

It is understood the sun bears are kept without a valid permit and is believed owned by former Liberal Democratic Party member Tan Sri Liew Yun Fah. However, this could not be confirmed.

Tawau was also in the spotlight last month after a mini zoo operated by SRJK © Yuk Chin was shut down with several animals kept in squalid conditions were rescued.

SPONSORED CONTENT

Sabah revenue hits RM6.97 billion: Hajiji says GRS State Government may see full term

Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah Government continued its momentum in managing the economy in line with the commitment and spirit of the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) when it posted record high state revenue of RM6.973 billion last year.

The Sept 15 incident prompted the Wildlife Department to freeze issuance of zoo permits and review all existing procedures, including procedures on zoo keeping.

Baya had indicated that zoo operators may be required to follow a new and stricter zoo standards in future, but did not say when this would be implemented.

Voicing concern, Merotai Assemblyman Datuk Pang Yuk Ming said the local communities were disappointed with the closure of the mini-zoo.

The latest incident brought to light by the UK-based Daily Mail raised issues of the treatment of wildlife by zoo operators in the district.

Now a campaign has been launched by the Malaysian Friends of the Animals to free the sad sun bears from their tiny cages and see them placed in an open enclosure at the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre.

"Their treatment is terribly cruel," said Jennifer Yeap of the Malaysian Friends of the Animals, which targets abuse and exploitation of wild animals across the country.

"They pace back and forth non-stop in empty confinement in these tiny cages and as a result they suffer immense stress.

Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.

Daily Express Malaysia

'And, like so many other zoos and wildlife theme places, it's not about animal preservation – these poor creatures are there to entertain the tourists.'

The bears were also left dehydrated and relied on the warden for water.

Try 1 month for RM 18.00

Try 1 month for RM 18.00

Try 1 month for RM 18.00