The Department of Wildlife and National Parks Peninsular Malaysia (Perhilitan) said in a statement here today that Zoo Negara must get a licence or special permit from the department for sale or purchase of any wildlife species protected under the Act.

“However, the spotted deer is a wildlife species that is not protected under Act 716. As such, the sale by Zoo Negara is not subject to the Act,” it said.

Perhilitan also said that the zoo, in its meeting with the department on Feb 3, had informed it that the sale was part of its stock management.

It was done as the existing stock at the zoo was more than 50 and exceeded its needs, apart from enabling it to optimise costs in facing the Covid-19 situation, according to Perhilitan.

“At the same time, to lighten the burden of operators of zoos and permanent exhibits, including Zoo Negara, that have been affected by the reinstatement of the movement control order, the energy and natural resources ministry has given a 10% discount on electricity bills from Jan 1 until March 31,” said the statement.

Elaborating further, Perhilitan said Zoo Negara operated as a business entity managed by the Malaysian Zoological Society and was given a permit to operate a zoo under Act 716 by the department.

Perhilitan issued the statement in response to a report by FMT on Feb 4 on the sale of spotted deer by Zoo Negara to a private company.

The report, quoting the Malaysian Trades Union Congress, had asked if the sale had complied with set procedures.