The elephants, known as Dara, Amoi and Kelat (DAK), were transferred in March under an arrangement involving Zoo Taiping and Tennoji Zoo.
PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has initiated an investigation paper into the transfer of three Asian elephants from Zoo Taiping to Tennoji Zoo in Osaka, Japan, following allegations of corruption, leakage and abuse of power.
The elephants, known as Dara, Amoi and Kelat (DAK), were transferred in March under an arrangement involving Zoo Taiping and Tennoji Zoo.
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MACC said the investigation is still at an early stage and involves the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) Ministry, the Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan), as well as agents involved in the transfer process.
“The investigation is still at an early stage and is being carried out thoroughly,” the commission said in a statement.
Authorities are also examining claims that payments linked to the transfer were not channelled to the government, with allegations involving transactions estimated at RM53 million.
MACC said it is looking into possible elements of corruption, misappropriation and abuse of power in the arrangement.
“The public is urged not to make any speculation or conclusion that could affect the ongoing investigation,” it added.
The issue gained public attention after the elephants were relocated to Japan in March, sparking concern among animal welfare groups and online activists under the #KembalikanDAK campaign.
On May 6, the Taiping Municipal Council said the elephants would remain in Japan under a 25-year agreement and that the transfer was part of an international cooperation programme.
It also said the elephants were in good condition, had gained weight, and were being monitored by veterinarians and handlers.
The council later clarified that the arrangement was strictly between Zoo Taiping and Tennoji Zoo and not a commercial transaction.
Former NRES minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad has previously denied any involvement in allegations linked to the transfer, stating that final approval was given after he left the ministry.
The case has also prompted calls from animal welfare groups for greater transparency and independent welfare assessments of the elephants involved.
