Sabah Plans Upgrade For Lok Kawi Wildlife Park

JOHOR BAHRU, June 18 (Bernama) -- The Sabah state government plans to upgrade the Lok Kawi Wildlife Park in Putatan, with the Johor Zoo serving as one of the key development models for the project.

Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin said an estimated RM50 million would be required to improve the ageing wildlife park and its facilities.

“The Lok Kawi Wildlife Park has been around for a long time. We have a wide range of animals for visitors to see, including about 16 elephants undergoing rehabilitation and on display for tourists.

“However, the infrastructure and facilities need to be improved,” he told Bernama after visiting the Johor Zoo here today.

Jafry said the facilities, visitor-friendly environment and attractions available at the Johor Zoo, including its Night Zoo programme, could be adapted for implementation at the wildlife park.

“I find that the Johor Zoo offers excellent accessibility for the public, especially families. It is an ideal place for leisure visits and educational activities that help foster greater appreciation and love for animals among the public,” he said.

In this regard, he expressed hope that plans to upgrade the wildlife park, which opened in 2007, would materialise and eventually position it as one of the country's leading zoo attractions for tourists.

Earlier, Jafry said his visit to the Johor Zoo was aimed at observing its development and gaining first-hand insight into its operations.

The Johor Zoo, which opened in 1928, was closed in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequently underwent several phases of upgrading works before officially reopening on Aug 31, 2024.

--BERNAMA