MAZPA requests financial aid to run private zoological parks

Monday, March 30, 2020

The Malaysian Association of Zoological Parks and Aquaria (Mazpa) recently appealed to the Malaysian government to provide them with financial aid. The assistance is being requested in order to save jobs and wildlife at privately-managed menageries.

The Malaysian government issued the movement control order (MCO) around March 18^th 2020 as a response to the coronavirus pandemic. Gerard Wong Woon Seet, Vice-Chairman Mazpa said in a press statement that the movement restriction had put tremendous pressure on the already tight financial situation of these zoological parks. He mentioned that they are expecting a bleak outlook for the privately-owned zoological parks.

Ever since the outbreak of the pandemic, Mazpa had witnessed to a minimum to no visitors. The park has no present source of income. Wong said in his statement that with zero income, the situation is dire. He also appealed to the government to look into the plight of the zoological parks and provide necessary financial aid in the time of crisis.

He mentioned that privately-owned zoological parks’ revenue has been reduced to nil as an effect of the coronavirus spread. However, he informed that wildlife has been classified as an essential service under the MCO. Therefore, animals continue to be fed and taken care of in the zoological parks and employees are bound to work full-time.

He also said that many of these private-owned zoological parks are involved in extensive research, breeding, and conservation activities of wildlife. He informed that private zoological parks are also classified as “entertainment” by the government, and thus are taxable.

However, Wong said privately-owned zoological parks need adequate food supplies and pay salaries for staff during the MCO, although Mazpa members have pledged to continue to deliver the best for animal welfare even in times of crisis. These taxes are coupled with zoological licensing fees, municipal licensing fees, company taxes and payments of fringe benefits for employees.

Wong fears that if the present situation continues the zoological parks might be nearing their end. He further said that without subsidy for privately-owned zoological parks, there are possibilities of closure and retrenchment of staff.

He concluded that with financial assistance, privately-owned zoological parks will be able to stay afloat and remain competitive once the pandemic is over. Any government financial aid would ensure that animal welfare is guaranteed.

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