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Any wrongdoing uncovered in the transfer of three Asian elephants from Zoo Taiping to Japan will be dealt with accordingly to safeguard institutional integrity and Malaysia’s reputation on the international stage, says Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup.

In a statement today, Arthur said the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) had taken note of the ongoing investigation by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) into the process involving the relocation of the elephants from Zoo Taiping in Perak to Tennoji Zoo in Osaka.

He stressed the ministry’s unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability and the rule of law in all aspects of wildlife management.

Arthur said NRES stands ready to provide full cooperation to the authorities throughout the course of the investigation to ensure it is conducted in a comprehensive and transparent manner.

“The ministry will not compromise or shield any party should there be evidence of misconduct, irregularities or procedural breaches in relation to the transfer,” he said.

Dara, Amoi and Kelat (DAK) – the three elephants from Zoo Taiping and Night Safari in Perak that was transferred to Tennoji Zoo in Osaka, Japan, was part of a bilateral conservation cooperation between Malaysia and Japan.

The move was aimed at supporting captive breeding efforts and strengthening wildlife conservation ties between the two countries.

However, the relocation attracted public attention after questions were raised over the procedures and approvals involved in the transfer, prompting calls for greater transparency regarding the management of the endangered species.

READ MORE: Activist To Run From Taiping To Parliament For Elephants Dara, Amoi, Kelat

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