KUALA LUMPUR – The Finance Ministry (MoF) has approved a request from the Malaysian Zoological Society (MZS) to funnel funds meant for the construction of a workers’ quarters to cover daily operations costs at Zoo Negara.
In a letter dated June 21 sighted by The Vibes, MoF advised MZS to consider alternative funding mechanisms to overcome the zoo’s financial issues without depending on the federal government, who are also “affected by the pandemic”.
“Based on the request, there is no obstacle towards MZS’ appeal to use the RM1.95 million fund meant for the building of a workers’ quarters for Zoo Negara to cover operating costs due to the reduction in ticket sales caused by the Covid-19 pandemic,” stated an officer on behalf of the National Budget Office in a letter addressed to the society.
In response to the letter, Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) general council member A. Sivananthan said it is “shocking” that the ministry can simply approve the redesignation of funds.
“It is shocking that the allocation was just allowed to be used for operational costs.
“This is wrong, as the money has to be returned to the ministry first, and then redisbursed upon confirmation that the zoo is indeed facing issues due to Covid-19,” he told The Vibes.
Based on the letter, Sivananthan also accused MoF of having no interest in the welfare of Zoo Negara workers, who are paid low wages and categorised in the B40 group.
He said the ministry must conduct thorough examinations into the zoo’s accounts, which he described as being “in a mess”.
In 2018, MTUC reportedly stated that the development of seven apartment units for Zoo Negara workers never occurred, despite MZS receiving allocation for the purpose in 2001.
In 2019, former water, land and natural resources minister Datuk Xavier Jayakumar said the zoo’s management must answer for its failure to build the apartment units.
He said action can be taken against its administration, following National Audit Department audit and Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission investigations. – The Vibes, July 16, 2021
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