KK & Sabah News Flash

Lok Kawi Wildlife Park’s Transfer to Penampang Proposed

The Sabah Wildlife Department, through its director Augustine Tuuga, said that a proposal had been submitted to the government two years ago for the relocation of Lok Kawi Wildlife Park in Putatan to Sugud, Penampang.  The proposal was the result of talks with the Penampang district officials and they are awaiting the decision of the government on this matter.

Augustine said that the transfer is not an easy task and there are several factors to be considered.  The transfer will involve utilization of government funds and the consent of residents of surrounding villages of the forest will also be assured for a smooth transition.  Sugud is an ideal place for the animals because of its forest cover of more than 1,500 hectares.  The wildlife park is presently home to various animals such as the orang utans, the monkeys and pygmy elephants.

Media reporters recently paid a visit to the park to look into the situation of animals there following negative comments in the social media.  The park’s veterinary officer Dr Rosa Sipangkui gave the assurance that the park authorities are always making sure that the animals are comfortable and in good shape, adding that animal enclosures have recently been enlarged.

9th KKIFF 2017 This Month

The 9^th edition of the Kota Kinabalu International Film Festival (KKIFF) is scheduled on July 22-29 at the MBO Imago Mall.  Jude Day, KKIFF Festival director said that about 27 films from 18 countries featuring short and full-length movies with critically-acclaimed awards will be screened.  The first film to be screened is Redha, a film by local artist Tunku Mona Riza.  It is a true story about the hardships experienced by a family with an autistic child.  Jude said that they chose this film because it is important for people learn about how to handle autistic children.

Redha was initially rejected by many cinemagoers during its initial release last year but it eventually received many awards and was Malaysia’s official entry to the 89^th Academy Awards this year for the Best Foreign Language category.

Chinese Reality TV to Feature Sabah

A reality television show for children in China has chosen Sabah as one of their locations.  The “Youth of China 3 – Nanyang Classroom” with 32 kids from China will be coming over on August to start the filming which will be featured on air later in December.

Datuk Seri Winston Liaw, chairman of the Sabah Association of Tour and Travel Agents (SATTA), said that this is the third season of the show with eight episodes. Four will be filmed in Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Selangor and Johor while the other four in Sabah.

Liaw paid a visit to Kota Kinabalu Mayor Datuk Yeo Boon Hai at the city hall Wednesday with the invitation for the mayor to write a script regarding Kota Kinabalu, specifically on the free bicycle rides in the city.  The mayor will also be featured in the show, teaching the children how to go around the city on a bike.

Liaw added that with over 500 million viewers expected to watch the show in China, this is a chance for Sabah to be promoted as a tourist destination. The series in produced by China Central Television (CCTV) and Dina Brandwork.