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New Post has been published on http://www.therakyatpost.com/news/2015/04/20/dont-use-iconic-animals-for-commercial-publicity-stunt-says-masidi/

Don't use iconic animals for commercial publicity stunt, says Masidi

KOTA KINABALU, April 20, 2015:

Using iconic animals, especially those under the threat of extinction, for commercial publicity stunt does not work. In fact, it backfires.

Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun said such move should be avoided. He said this while commenting on the use of Sabah’s iconic orangutan by international nightspot chain Hard Rock Cafe Kota Kinabalu (HRCKK), in what netizens described to be “distasteful”.

“It does not portray a good image of Sabah or even HRC (Hard Rock Cafe) itself,” he told The Rakyat Post in a text message today.

He said animal right groups all over the world were not happy with the promotional poster, with some calling for a boycott of HRCKK.

“We want to avoid a situation where these groups would urge international tourists to boycott Sabah over a controversial depiction of the much-loved orangutan,” said Masidi.

He said HRCKK was expected to come up with a statement soon to end the controversy.

A photograph of a banner showing an orangutan dressed in a rock frock playing electric guitar in a very unnatural pose, which was used by HRCKK to promote its outlet in the city, were posted on Facebook, drawing criticisms from netizens.

Sabah Wildlife Department director William Baya said the department had been receiving comments from around the world through social media postings, including Twitter and emails, and even calls from as far as Australia, over the matter.

He said HRCKK had expressed their wish to work with the department to support its conservation works in the state and, while it agreed to the idea, Baya had advised them to drop the plan of using the orangutan photo for its media promotional banners.

Baya added that the department advised the company that such photo would give a negative connotation of how Sabah portrayed and protected its orangutans, explaining that animal welfare groups worldwide would be on a warpath, condemning Sabah for the move.