BALIK PULAU: The Penang Butterfly Farm is spending RM53 million to implement its two-phase redevelopment plan to become the world’s first butterfly, dragonfly and firefly sanctuary park.
The farm, the tropical world’s first live butterfly and insect sanctuary, is owned and managed by Butterfly House Sdn Bhd.
Managing Director Joseph Goh said the first phase of the project was estimated to cost RM38 million, and the construction would commence next month.
He said some of the main attractions under the first phase included a butterfly and dragonfly sanctuary and an indoor invertebrates discovery centre.
“Upon the completion of the project by end-2018, it would be the world’s first butterfly, dragonfly and firefly sanctuary park that allows the three insects to live under one roof,” he told reporters here today.
Earlier, Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng launched the groundbreaking ceremony to mark the commencement of the redevelopment project in Teluk Bahang.
Goh said the redevelopment project would expand the current facility from 29,000 sq ft to 130,000 sq ft.
He said the existing facility was expected to operate until June 15, 2015 before it is closed to make way for further construction work.
“The first phase is expected to be completed and ready to be opened to the public by early 2016, while the second phase costing about RM15 million will begin in early 2018,” he said.
He said the redevelopment project would be uniquely themed for the purpose of education and tourism while sharing the profound wisdom from mother nature.
He also said the project aimed to serve as a centre in Malaysia for insect education or more officially known as entomology, with possible collaborations with non-governmental organisations, universities, schools, teachers and students.
“It will also act as a platform for worldwide researchers to carry out their research work in the world of invertebrates and insects,” he said.
The Penang Butterfly Farm is open daily from 9 am to 6 pm with the last entry at 5 pm while admission tickets are priced at RM27.00 for adult and RM15.00 for children aged four to 12 years old. Entrance for children aged three years and below is free while Malaysian residents enjoy 33 per cent discount upon presentation of Mykad or Mykid.– BERNAMA