The Johor Zoo Phase One upgrading work is expected to be fully completed by the first quarter of next year, said state Housing and Local Government Committee chairman Datuk Mohd Jafni Md Shukor.
He said the 95-year-old zoo is now closed for the implementation of Phase 1 Intervention, covering five main zones, namely the arrival hall, main entrance, forecourt, part of the bird cage and the new animal food preparation area.
“The objective of this intervention only involves the improvement of general infrastructure such as the passenger drop-off area and more organised parking lots, main entrance and ticketing system, the concourse and the re-arrangement of components.
“In addition, it also does not involve the transfer of the existing animals in the zoo. This will be followed up with future phases involving the improvement of other components,” he said when contacted by Bernama today.
The state government recently received an additional allocation of RM2 million from the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) for the upgrading of the zoo.
The 125-hectare Johor Zoo, which is located in the city centre, was opened in 1928. It is the country’s oldest zoo and has more than 100 species of animals.
Mohd Jafni said the Johor Bahru City Council (MBJB) will also upgrade part of Jalan Gertak Merah, complete with an organised parking lot, covered footpaths and bicycle paths, to support the upgrading project.
“The upgrading works on Jalan Gertak Merah will involve route changing as per the approval that will come into effect in January 2024,” he said.
Source: BERNAMA News Agency