PETALING JAYA: Yayasan Sime Darby (YSD), the philanthropic arm of the three Sime Darby companies, has committed RM2.5mil in a one-year sponsorship to support the Malaysian Zoological Society (MZS).

       “YSD feels that our commitment of RM2.5mil for a one-year funding is of utmost importance to defray the operational costs of the MZS for the upkeep of the seven identified species amongst its vast population of animals and their habitat.

       “We are very concerned about the welfare of the animals due to the effects of the prolonged lockdowns, with no other major income stream to sustain the zoo’s operations,” YSD’s chairman, Tunku Tan Sri Imran Ibni Almarhum Tuanku Ja’afar, said in a statement.

       YSD said the sponsorship started in September 2021 and provides full range care support for 83 Malaysian mammals and birds, comprising of five local mammals and two local bird species, which are classified as endangered wildlife species under the IUCN Red List.

       YSD said its funding will be disbursed in stages and specifically covers the costs for food, medical and enclosure maintenance as well as the animal keepers’ salaries.

       YSD added that it hoped this funding would help to alleviate the financial burden that is currently being faced by the zoo during this challenging period.