Taiping: There are absolutely no commercial elements in the agreement between Taiping Zoo and Night Safari and Japan's Tennoji Zoo in Osaka involving the three Malaysian elephants known as Dara, Amoi, and Kelat. Taiping Municipal Council (MPT) president Mohamed Akmal Dahalan clarified that the agreement is strictly zoo-to-zoo and not a business transaction, contrary to allegations by some parties.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Mohamed Akmal Dahalan emphasized that the term 'B2B' (business to business) does not reflect the true spirit of this agreement. He stated that the international cooperation programme complies with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) Malaysian Zoo Standard Guidelines, countering viral accusations on social media, including claims of payments to the zoo and local council, and alleged non-compliance with existing laws.
Dahalan highlighted that the agreement has undergone approval processes in accordance with the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010. Before the elephants were sent, MPT, Taiping Zoo, and the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan) visited Osaka from October 6 to 10, 2022, to assess the existing facilities and identify the improvements needed by Tennoji Zoo.
He further added that all relevant documentation, such as special permits, export applications, and responses to Japanese authorities, had been properly approved before the elephants were transported. Dahalan assured that MPT prioritizes animal welfare and well-being in this programme, with Taiping Zoo maintaining regular contact with Tennoji Zoo and other relevant agencies to obtain the latest updates.
The council is also prepared to cooperate with authorities, including the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), should any further review or investigation into the programme be required. The elephants are currently housed at Tennoji Zoo under a 25-year international cooperation agreement between the two zoos, with MPT acting as the representative for Taiping Zoo.
Local media previously reported that a group of activists and non-governmental organisations had urged the government to bring the elephants back to Malaysia, alleging the animals are suffering and ill-suited to the zoo's environment.