Malaysia’s largest safari park to be built in Melaka

 

Executive councillor Rais Yasin said Melaka Zoo still had an area of almost 12 hectares that could be used to develop the safari park. (Wikipedia pic)

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s largest open-concept zoo is set to be built in Melaka, with several proposals on the project already submitted to the state government.

State housing, local government, drainage, climate change and disaster management committee chairman Rais Yasin said the safari park would involve an estimated 20.2 hectares, or 50 acres, of land.

According to Bernama, Rais said the project would be developed either by the Ayer Keroh Botanical Gardens or Melaka Zoo, adding that the total cost would be announced later.

“We will make sure the safari park is as fascinating or comparable as those in foreign countries such as Thailand or Indonesia.

“The state government, through the Hang Tuah Jaya municipal council (MPHTJ), and Melaka Zoo will work with the wildlife and national parks department (Perhilitan) and private parties who are interested in this project,” he said.

Rais said MPHTJ had already shown a preliminary plan for the safari park while a study would be held to determine the best proposal and module for the project.

He said the Melaka Zoo still had an area of almost 12 hectares that could be used to develop the safari park.

“We will choose the best module because we want to ensure that this project lasts as long as the Melaka Zoo, which continues to attract visitors.

“As of July, the Melaka Zoo attracted nearly 700,000 visitors. So just imagine if there is a new product to draw more visitors here,” he added.

While the project is still at an early stage, Rais hopes that its development can commence next year.

“I will also include this project in MPHTJ’s key performance index for next year. As for the state government, after the study is completed, I will take this proposal to the chief minister for his approval so that we can make this project a reality.” - FMT