THE Penang Bird Park in Seberang Jaya can consider strengthening or enhancing its role to become a research and conservation centre or to serve as a space to provide educational activities for students.
State Tourism Development, Arts, Culture and Heritage Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin said despite the park’s incredible history, it is essential to consider adding more values by incorporating elements to make it more than just being a tourist attraction.
“In this modern era, parks of this kind should be different from the past.
“I will discuss this matter with the Penang Development Corporation (PDC) and the state government on how we can assist the park to upgrade its current core operation to become a multi-purpose park for the benefit of the public,” said Yeoh during his visit to the Penang Bird Park today.
The bird park, which was established in 1988, houses over 3,000 birds of 300 different species from all over the world.
Of the 300 species, half of them come from Malaysia.
The Penang Bird Park is also the first bird park in Malaysia and has also the largest collection of birds in the country.
Penang Bird Park director Dr Gino H.C. Ooi expressed his hopes that the state and PDC would consider providing further assistance in terms of additional rental reduction for the park.
“PDC had recently approved a 30% rental discount for the park but I sincerely hope my current request on behalf of the park for an additional reduction would be considered,” Ooi said.
In response, Yeoh said the matter would be brought up to the PDC and the state government.
At the press conference, Yeoh also highlighted an on-going challenge that the park faces, which is the limited public transportation in that area.
“I will try my best to address this issue with Rapid Penang on whether more buses can ply through this area for the convenience of those who wish to visit the park but do not have their own transportation,” Yeoh said.
According to Ooi, a month later after the park was given the green light to resume its operations on July 12, the response has been relatively encouraging as it saw a 65% improvement in attendance.
The park usually receives an average of 400 people daily.
Penangites or those with Penang residential address on their MyKad can enjoy a 50% discount following the recent announcement of “Penang-lang 50% off” campaign aimed at reenergising the state’s economy.
For further information on tickets, activities and other promotions of Penang Bird Park, visit https://www.penangbirdpark.com.my
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Ahmad Adil Muhamad