QUITE a number of attendees at the State Legislative Assembly sitting were taken by surprise when they were ‘greeted’ by over 20 sculptures of Malayan tapir placed at the entrance to the State Assembly building.
State Speaker Datuk Law Choo Kiang explained their presence, saying “I just want to promote the awareness of wildlife protection. There are so many YBs here.
“These sculptures are the artwork from Artopia (Education Trust) from Balik Pulau. They are on loan and will be returned after the State Legislative Assembly sitting ends.
“We also want to promote and support the artists,” Law said.
Listed as an endangered species, the population of the Malayan tapir (Tapirus indicus) is considered to be about 2,500.
Even Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, Paya Terubong assemblyman Yeoh Soon Hin and Bukit Tambun assemblyman Goh Choon Aik were attracted to the white-and-black sculptures and posed with them for the photographers covering the meeting.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Law Suun Ting & Muhamad Amir Irsyad