KUALA LUMPUR: Leading Malaysian jeweller, Habib Jewels has released limited-edition gold wafers collection in support of Zoo Negara.
The animal-themed gold wafer collection comes in six different designs featuring Zoo Negara's iconic animals namely the mouse deer (kancil), panda, Malayan tiger, hornbill, elephant and the orang utan.
Habib Group's executive director Datin Seri Zarida Noordin said for each gold wafer piece sold, RM5 will be donated to Zoo Negara.
The collection of six 999 gold wafers was launched at the 'Habib for Zoo Negara, Save Our Animals' event held at the National Zoo today (Dec 18).
"The gold wafers come individually packed, the price at RM 118 each or can be bought in a set of six which comes with a special packaging at all Habib outlets.
"In this way, Malaysians too can show their support for our beloved zoo while having a keepsake to bring home that showcases our treasured zoo encapsulated in 999 gold.
"To show our love and support for Zoo Negara, we will be donating a minimum of RM50,000 to the zoo to support the care of its wildlife and upkeep of their supporting facilities," she said during the launch.
Zoo Negara, which depends on ticket sales to generate income, took a huge financial hit when the Movement Control Order (MCO) was enforced in March.
With the zoo needing an average of RM1 million a month to keep operations running, the management was forced to dip into its emergency funds to ensure that the animals were fed and cared for, and staff wages were paid.
It was given a reprieve in June when the reduced number of cases led to the relaxation of the MCO and subsequent shift into the Recovery MCO period, which enabled the zoo to welcome visitors.
Due to the surge in cases in Klang Valley in the last two months, CMCO was implemented by the government forcing the zoo to close its doors again.