JOHOR BARU: The Wildlife and National Parks Department will not hesitate to take action against zoos which do not follow guidelines laid down by the National Resources and Environment Ministry.

Its law and enforcement director Saharudin Anan said zoo operators should seek the department's permission before they introduce new animals to their collection.

He was referring to an incident at the Taiping Zoo where zoo officials were hauled up for having two orang utans before obtaining the proper permits.

Saharudin also said he would send enforcement officers to check on a private zoo in Kulai following a public complaint.

He was speaking to the New Straits Times after the paper received a plea from the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) Johor Baru to check on the private zoo, which it claimed is not being managed according to the guidelines laid down by the ministry.

An SPCA spokesman also alleged that the animals' cages at the zoo were too small.

"The relevant authorities must ensure that conditions at the zoo do not give the perception to foreign tourists and expatriates that we do not care about the welfare of animals."