KOTA KINABALU: Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Yahya Hussin has objected to the Sabah Wildlife Department”s (SWD) proposal to shift the Lok Kawi Wildlife Park to Sugud, Penampang.
Yahya claimed that it would be unwise to shift the wildlife park, or commonly referred to as a zoo, as it will cost a lot money and time consuming.
“The zoo has been at Lok Kawi for a very long time now.
“I was made to understand that the main reason they want to shift the zoo is due to the limited space at the park”s present site.
“Thus, they (SWD) want to move it to Sugud, where the space is much bigger,” he said.
Yahya said constructing a zoo from scratch is not easy, as a lot of money would be needed.
“From what I can remember, when we first started the zoo, we had to spend almost RM40 million on the first day.
“Over the years, the expenditure grew to hundreds of millions,” Yahya told the media during a dinner reception held in conjunction 10th anniversary of the Putatan District Office on Thursday.
“Also, we have planted various authentic Sabahan trees and timber that over hundreds of acres in size,” he added.
He said the reserved forest in Lok Kawi has the potential to be turned into a national park that can attract tourists, thus there is no need for the zoo to be shifted from Lok Kawi.
He cited the reserved forests in Sandakan, Tawau and Maliau Basin as examples of forests that have the ability to attract tourists.
In line with this, Yahya stressed that a zoo should remain as a zoo and not to be relocated.
“A zoo is a zoo. The infrastructure of a zoo is already quite complex and time consuming. It takes years to construct a modern zoo.
“Furthermore, the current zoo is strategically located near to the Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA).
“This makes it easier for both domestic and international tourists to visit the zoo,” Yahya added.
However, Yahya admitted that the current zoo had to be maintained and refurbished.
“The road leading to the zoo has to be repaired and improved so that it will be easier for the visitors,” he said.
Yahya disclosed that several other leaders had also objected to the said proposal.