The Star Online: Metro: South & East
The Star Online: Metro: South & East |
- Raid on Saleng Zoo lauded by some and criticised by others
- Plans to upgrade Kuala Terengganu
- Contest for couples
| Raid on Saleng Zoo lauded by some and criticised by others Posted: 24 Jun 2011 06:33 AM PDT KULAIJAYA: There has been mixed public reaction with regards to the enforcement operation by the Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) to seize the animals at the Saleng Zoo. Environmental groups and certain sections of the public have backed efforts to seize the animals and close the zoo, whilst the zoo continues to get support from itsfrequent visitors. Malaysian Nature Society Johor vice chairman Vincent Chow lauded the closure of the zoo. "The problem is that these people do not have the professional expertise and in-depth knowledge to cater to the needs of the wild animals," he said, adding that one could not put wild animals in a human environment. He also said that keeping animals in cages was cruel and akin to imprisoning them, and the environment in the zoo was too artificial causing the animal to behave out of its nature. "The animals that are born in the zoo lose their natural instincts and will not be able to survive out in the wild," he said adding that documentaries on nature had far more educational value than zoos. A concerned reader H.K. Chan, 43, said Perhilitan's actions were warranted if the zoo had mistreated the animals there. "Having a zoo in such an area with wild animals such as lions and tigers may also be a danger to the surrounding environment," he said. However, he added that he felt the authorities owe the public, especially the residents of Kulai, proper explanation as to why they resorted to such action. Zoo visitor C. Ravi, 60, agreed that animals should not be caged up, but felt that Perhilitan may have been a little harsh in their actions. "Perhaps they could have looked at other ways to resolve the issue by working together with the zoo owners, such as relocating the zoo to a bigger space. However, businessman V.S. Kumar, 56 questioned the fairness of Perhilitan's actions as the zoo had not been found of any wrongdoing. "If they say that the animals are mistreated, they should show proof of it and explain clearly their reasons for seizing the animals," he said, adding that he was a frequent visitor to the zoo and thought the animals were well treated. Another visitor, Nur Hafeez Zailan, 25, who came to the zoo with his girlfriend on his day off from work, expressed his disappointment when he was not able to see most of the animals. "I am surprised and I think it is a pity because I just came here two years ago and I thought the surroundings were very nice and the animals all looked quite healthy," he said. Zookeeper J Sivapriyan said he had begun a signature drive to prove that the public still supported the zoo. "So far I have already gotten more than 400 signatures," he said, adding that he would continue to fight against the closure of the zoo. He also said that the seizing of the animals was a bitter pill to swallow, as he had raised them since they were young and had become like children to him. According to Sivapriyan, the Saleng Zoo has been in operation since 1996, and as of this year had more than 2,000 animals of 60 different species. The Natural Resources and Environment Ministry and Perhilitan had rejected the zoo's application for renewal of their licenses and special permits, and on Monday begun an operation to seize the zoo's animals including tigers, lions, elephants and snakes. The Starprobe had earlier highlighted some of the problems at the zoo. |
| Plans to upgrade Kuala Terengganu Posted: 24 Jun 2011 06:33 AM PDT KUALA TERENGGANU: The Kuala Terengganu City Council is planning to upgrade the city's infrastructure, including building a new bus terminal dubbed KT Central in improving the traffic flow. Mayor Datuk Adzlan Mohd Dagang said the new bus terminal would be built in Bukit Besar to make it convenient for commuters to get to the station. "The bus terminal will be part of a RM80mil allocation from the Federal Government for the city council. "We are also planning to build a flyover and a ring road near the terminal to improve traffic flow," he told newsmen after the city council's media night on Tuesday. Adzlan said the ring road was essential to improve traffic flow as residents have complained of frequent congestion near the city centre due to the implementation of one-way roads. "We are aware of the people's grouses and we are taking a proactive approach to solve the problem," he said. On the city council's past efforts, Adzlan said RM14mil had been spent to improve the landscape of the city's waterfront, Kampung Cina as well as Taman Panorama. He also announced that plans to renovate the Payang Market in the middle of town was in the pipeline as it was a prominent tourist spot. "We know that most who come to Kuala Terengganu will head to Pasar Payang. "We have forwarded plans to the state government to renovate the market's building to accommodate more tourists," he said. Adzlan said the city council also expects to collect RM80mil in revenue this year, an increase from RM50mil last year. "Among the source of revenue are business licences and parking summonses," he said. |
| Posted: 24 Jun 2011 06:33 AM PDT KUALA TERENGGANU: Aspiring couples need only to prepare a 300 word essay to be eligible for the My Idol, Raja Sehari '1Malaysia, 1Pasangan' contest. Kuala Terengganu Umno division chief Datuk Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh said the contest was open to all couples, who have yet to marry and with an income of not more than RM1,500 monthly. "Each couple must complete an essay of 'kenapa saya layak dipilih' (why I deserve to be chosen) to enter the contest. "The 10 best essays will be chosen in representing eight Malay couples, one Chinese couple and an Indian couple," he told a press conference on Tuesday. He added the contest form could be obtained from the division office along Jalan Gong Kapas here and the essay must be submitted before July 17. Wan Ahmad Farid said the wedding ceremony for the couples chosen would be held at Taman Tamadun Islam here on Sept 16. "The winners will not only have their wedding paid for, but each couple will receive at least RM5,000. "Each couple will have a separate wedding altar and they are also allowed to invite 1,000 guests each," he said. |
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