KUALA LUMPUR: The Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) will set up a special task force to review and improve existing laws and procedures following concerns over the use of two elephants in a procession in Kelantan.
Perhilitan said it was aware of a viral video showing elephants Sanum and Mekna being used at a Madani Community programme in Kampung Pasir Tumboh, Kota Baru.
It said it had an existing standard operating procedures (SOP) for elephant procession programmes, dated Dec 31, 2016.
The department said it received an application on May 25 for an elephant and wildlife exhibition in conjunction with the programme from the Kelantan Land and Mines director.
The application was reviewed and approved by the Special Permit Application Committee on June 16 based on the prescribed SOP.
Perhilitan said health checks were conducted on the elephants, while the selection of elephants brought to the event was also done in accordance with the SOP.
It said welfare assessments were carried out before, during and after the programme, including during transportation, preparation and the use of the elephants at the event.
However, Perhilitan said it took note of feedback from civil society and the public over concerns about elephant welfare.
It said the special task force would review and improve existing laws, SOPs and procedures with stakeholders.
Perhilitan said it would also refer the matter to the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry's integrity unit and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission's governance investigation division to help strengthen the procedures comprehensively.
The department said it remained committed to protecting and conserving the country's wildlife and would continue making improvements based on public feedback. - NST
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