The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission’s (MACC) probe into the transfer of three elephants from Taiping Zoo to Tennoji Zoo in Osaka, Japan, has so far been limited to reviewing documents related to the memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Taiping City Council (MPT) and the Japanese zoo.
MPT president Mohamed Akmal Dahalan said the commission had requested documents relating to the MoU for the transfer of elephants Dara, Amoi and Kelat (DAK), adding that the investigation remains primarily focused on the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES).
“MACC requested the MoU documents between MPT and the zoo in Japan. However, the investigation has so far been centred on NRES,” he said.
The MACC previously confirmed it had opened investigation papers involving four parties — NRES, the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan), MPT and an agent linked to the elephant transfer.
The probe followed a June 18 call by wildlife rights group HIDUP, which urged the anti-graft agency to investigate allegations that payments related to the transfer were not channelled to the government. The group also alleged the transaction involved several individuals and was worth an estimated RM53 million.
Despite the controversy, Mohamed Akmal said the issue would not derail Zoo Taiping’s efforts to forge strategic partnerships to strengthen tourism, education and wildlife conservation.
He thanked BMOUIF and BMLR for proceeding with the collaboration despite the negative publicity surrounding the elephant transfer.
“When this collaboration was proposed, I informed them that Zoo Taiping’s reputation had been affected by the elephant controversy since April and May. I was concerned the MoU might also be impacted.
“However, they understood that this partnership is for the right purpose and to continue conservation efforts,” he said.
