LETTER | There is more money to be made from ethical elephant tourism as more tourists are demanding this.

In 2015 Sarawak Chief Minister Adenan Satem declared himself an “amateur naturalist”, a fan of David Attenborough and that he is very concerned about the state of “orangutans and other mammals in Borneo”. Sounding concerned about wildlife matters animal lovers hoped that the poor condition of wildlife management and treatment in Sarawak would improve greatly.

Malaysian Friends of the Animals is appalled with the Sabah government’s proposal for a new zoo near Kota Kinabalu, as announced recently by state Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Masidi Manjun.

Two months ago Malaysiakini highlighted the abuse of two sun bears forced to live in tiny cages at the Tawau Hot Springs, Sabah. Both bears were not provided readily available drinking water or food and were seen pacing back and forth in their respective cage as a result of years of incarceration, suffering from zoochosis.

Weeks have passed since the plight of two sun bears kept in horrific cages for public amusement at the Tawau Hot Springs, Sabah, was made public. Sadly, despite pressure from Malaysia and as far as the United Kingdom, both bears remain in their cages.