MACC Looking Into Claims Of Corruption Involving Transfer Of Dara, Amoi, Kelat To Japan

Subscribe to our FREE Newsletter, or Telegram and WhatsApp channels for the latest stories and updates.

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has launched an investigation into the allegations that transactions worth about RM53 million linked to the transfer of elephants Amoi, Dara, and Kelat to Tennoji Zoo had not reached government hands.

MACC said the investigation is focused on the national resources and environmental sustainability ministry, the wildlife and national parks department, and the agents involved in the elephants’ transfer.

The commission will be looking into allegations of leakage, and the possibility of bribery, misappropriation, or abuse of power.

The investigation is still in its early stages and the public is urged not to speculate on the matter.

Last Thursday, wildlife advocacy group Hak Asasi Hidupan Liar Malaysia claimed that about RM53 million was paid to several individuals instead of the government.

The organisation, including Pertubuhan Pelindung Khazanah Alam Malaysia, urged MACC to investigate the alleged payments.

The president of Pertubuhan Pelindung Khazanah Alam Malaysia Rajesh Nagarajan said the group received information from a whistleblower and had submitted the names of eight individuals to MACC to be investigated.

The three elephants were sent from Taiping Zoo to Tennoji Zoo in Osaka as part of a conservation and bilateral tie programme between both zoos.

Tennoji Zoo shared frequent updates about the elephants to assure the concerned public that the animals were well taken cared.

There have been increasing calls to return the elephants back to Malaysia. On 17 June, activist Neow Choo Seong ran from Taiping, Perak to Parliament to hand over a memorandum urging elected representatives to discuss the issue of Malaysian elephants in zoos in Japan.

During his run, various people joined him, including Khairy Jamaluddin along with the Bekpes Hot crew.

READ MORE: Calls To Bring Elephants Dara, Amoi, Kelat Home Get Louder – Zoo Taiping Urged To Begin Negotiations

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

Share your thoughts with us via TRP’s Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or Threads.