NGO calls for Bukit Aman task force to probe transfer of elephants to Japan

 Peka alleges discrepancies in shipping documents and asks whether project complied with Malaysian laws and international obligations.

The welfare of the three Asian elephants – Dara, Amoi and Kelat – at Tennoji Zoo in Osaka, Japan, has drawn public attention following photos shared online. (Facebook pic)

PETALING JAYA:

An environmental group has urged Bukit Aman to establish a task force to investigate the transfer of three Asian elephants from Taiping Zoo to Tennoji Zoo in Osaka, Japan, amid questions over whether the animals were shipped in accordance with the law.

Pertubuhan Pelindung Khazanah Alam Malaysia (Peka) said the task force should determine if the transfer of Dara, Amoi and Kelat was carried out in compliance with Malaysian wildlife laws and the country’s obligations under international conservation agreements.

In a memorandum to Inspector-General of Police Khalid Ismail, Peka said it had identified what it described as significant discrepancies involving export permits, animal health certificates issued by the department of veterinary services (DVS), invoices linked to the transaction, and the airway bill used to transport the elephants.

It said the inconsistencies raised serious doubts about whether the transfer was executed in accordance with the relevant legal provisions and whether there had been any procedural irregularities, abuse of power, or misconduct by the parties involved.

“Public confidence in the integrity of the country’s wildlife management depends on the transparency and accountability of the authorities in addressing issues such as these,” said Peka president Rajesh Nagarajan in the memorandum.

Rajesh said while police reports had been lodged on the matter, the complexity of the case warranted a dedicated task force comprising officers experienced in white-collar crime investigations, environmental law, and international transactions.

He also called for investigators to examine all police reports related to the matter, verify the authenticity of all documents involved, and record statements from individuals and agencies connected to the transfer process, including officials from Taiping Zoo, the DVS, and the wildlife and national parks department (Perhilitan).

He said Peka is ready to provide its full cooperation to the task force, including submitting all documents and information in its possession.

Taiping Zoo has said the three elephants were relocated to Tennoji Zoo as part of a conservation and research programme.

Activists and NGOs previously urged the government to bring the elephants back to Malaysia after photos on social media sparked concern about their welfare and the conditions at the Osaka zoo. - FMT