THE Lok Kawi Wildlife Park will be restructured in a month, following the deaths of two elephants under its care.  

State Deputy Chief Minister cum Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Christina Liew said an inquiry would also look into whether negligence was the cause of the deaths. 

“We will establish a disciplinary committee to investigate any wrongdoing. The committee will also address complaints from the public over the matter. 

“The committee will be headed by state Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry permanent secretary Datu Rusmadi Sulai and action will be taken if any wrongdoing is found.  

“After discussing it with him and with department heads, I have also decided that the Wildlife Department needs to restructured,” she said after visiting the park today. 

She was accompanied by Penampang MP Darell Leiking. 

Two elephants, including a calf, died under mysterious circumstances at the park. 

Liew said the 3-year-old female calf named Gendu was found dead on May 8 and a 15-year-old male elephant named Yapid was also found dead on June 26 at the park.  

Post-mortem results showed Yapid had been suffering from chronic gastritis. 

The department is waiting for the results of the post-mortem on Gendu. 

The authorities had remained tight-lipped following reports that surfaced on the deaths. It could not be ascertained why the department had kept the deaths under wraps. 

Liew said effort will be taken to improve animal care at the park. She said the park will form a panel of advising veterinarians comprising specialists from the private sector and appoint a public relations officer. 

“Among the duties of the relations officer include announcing the arrivals of new rescued animals, births and deaths. 

“We want the public to know what is happening inside the park to stop future misconceptions and negative reports saying that the animals were mistreated. 

“The ministry will uphold transparency and do away years of practice of keeping all news under wraps,” she said. – June 30, 2018.