Reban Pokleh Mini Zoo A Must-Visit Spot In Pontian

By Kamarul Halim M Kamal

PONTIAN, Sept 18 (Bernama) -- Pontian is synonymous with pineapples, the district’s signature crop, cultivated across thousands of hectares and processed into a range of products well known across the country.

But for those seeking something different, visitors to Pontian can head to Reban Pokleh in Ayer Baloi, a mini petting zoo that has been welcoming guests since December 2022.

The farm allows visitors to get close to and feed animals such as peacocks, ostriches, guinea pigs and several breeds of chicken – a rare treat for city dwellers.

Its owner, Mohd Solehin Ramlan, 37, said Reban Pokleh has become a popular stop, especially on weekends and public holidays.

“Many of our visitors are animal lovers who rarely get the chance to pet them as they live in urban housing estates. Some even come just to fulfil their children’s wish to see the animals here up close,” he told Bernama recently.

Mohd Solehin shared that the idea of opening the mini zoo came from his interest in rearing ornamental chicken breeds, including turkeys, Polish chickens and American silkies, as well as several bird species.

He recalled that during the Movement Control Order in 2020, he began collecting them to spend his free time and eventually ended up with hundreds.

“I bought various chicken breeds from China, the Netherlands, Germany and Turkiye. When their numbers grew, I thought of opening a mini zoo to share my interest with the public.

“It started out just for fun, but I never thought it would end up being a spot visitors look forward to in Pontian. Besides sharing our common interest, we also get to spend time together,” he said.

Mohd Solehin said he was proud that the passion which started on a small scale is now helping to boost Pontian’s tourism, complementing destinations such as Tanjung Piai National Park and Pulau Kukup.

Interestingly, Reban Pokleh has attracted not only locals but also visitors from Portugal, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and the United States, prompting Mohd Solehin to bring in deer and more bird species.

Meanwhile, Zaini Ibrahim, 56, who works at the mini zoo, said the number of visitors usually increases during school holidays, with some making repeat trips.

Wong Siang Nam, 50, from Johor Bahru, said he, his wife Ng Lee Hua, 44, and their son Wong Zhao Shan, 5, have visited Reban Pokleh more than seven times.

“During the holidays, we come here not only to enjoy the peace away from the city but also because of my son, who loves playing with and feeding the animals. His favourite is giving milk to the goats,” he said.

Ella Anam Aapi, 25, from Kapit, Sarawak, said she was thrilled to discover chicken breeds she had never seen before during her visit with five friends and plans to return if she visits Pontian again.

Admission to Reban Pokleh is free for children under three years old, while an entry fee of RM5 applies to those aged three and above, as well as adults.

With the encouraging response, Reban Pokleh has broadened the district’s tourism landscape and shown how a small hobby can grow into an attraction – helping Pontian gain recognition not just for pineapples but also as a destination for nature and animal-based recreation.

-- BERNAMA