The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) will fully cooperate with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) in its investigation into the transfer of three Asian elephants from Zoo Taiping to Tennoji Zoo in Osaka, Japan.
Minister Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup said the ministry remains committed to transparency, accountability and the rule of law in all matters involving wildlife management.
“NRES is prepared to provide full and comprehensive cooperation throughout the investigation to ensure the process is carried out thoroughly and transparently,” he said.
Arthur said the ministry would not compromise or shield any party if misconduct, irregularities or procedural breaches are found in connection with the transfer of the elephants, known as Dara, Amoi and Kelat (DAK).
He added that safeguarding institutional integrity and Malaysia’s reputation on the international stage remains a key priority.
The MACC yesterday confirmed it had opened an investigation paper following allegations of leakages and irregularities linked to the transfer.
The probe follows calls by wildlife rights group Hak Asasi Hidupan Liar Malaysia (Hidup) on June 18 for an investigation into the matter.
The group alleged that payments related to the transfer were not channelled to the government and linked several individuals to transactions estimated to be worth RM53 million.
