Report: Malacca Zoo and Bird Park closed for two weeks

The Malacca Zoo and Bird Park have been closed since last Friday as part of the state government's efforts to reacquire the facilities.

State exco member for Housing, Local Government and Environment Tey Kok Kiew said the 14-day closure was necessary for an audit process as well as upgrading and cleaning works, according to a Sinar Harian report.

"The management of the zoo and bird park was taken over (by the local council) because the company had violated several conditions and agreements made on Dec 31, 2012.

"This process was necessary to safeguard the interest and image of the zoo and bird park," he was quoted as saying.

Officially, both tourist attractions are now under the ownership of the Hang Tuah Jaya City Council (MPHTJ).

The management of the two attractions were handed to Syarikat Konsortium KKW Sdn Bhd in 2012 and the ownership transfer took place a year later.

On Saturday, Star Online reported that the state government and Konsortium KKW had reached a solution to nullify their earlier contract.

In 2013, the zoo was struck by allegations that a sun bear and a stallion was poisoned to death, followed by allegations that 230 animals were unaccounted immediately after the transfer of management.

According to an Utusan report in August this year, the zoo had admitted that five "high-value" animals were eaten by pythons since January.

Syarikat Konsortium KKW is majority owned by KAJ Development Sdn Bhd, a Malacca-based conglomerate known best for construction.

KAJ Development Sdn Bhd is also the master developer for the Melaka Gateway project, which aims to build various projects on multiple islands off the coast of Malacca town.

This includes tourist attractions, a cruise terminal and a deep sea port. - Mkini