Kuala lumpur: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has found no evidence of any suspicious fund transfers or financial transactions involving former Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad over allegations that he received RM53 million in bribes linked to the transfer of three elephants - Dara, Amoi, and Kelat (DAK) - to Japan.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, MACC chief commissioner Datuk Seri Abd Halim Aman stated that preliminary checks through the Cash Threshold Report (CTR) and Suspicious Transaction Report (STR) confirmed that no suspicious financial transactions involving the former minister or companies linked to him had been detected. "Based on investigations conducted so far, there is no evidence of any fund transfers or suspicious financial transactions involving the former minister or companies associated with him," he said during a press conference.
Abd Halim disclosed that investigations are ongoing into four identified suspects, which include a former civil servant, a serving civil servant, and two company owners. A total of 19 witnesses have been summoned to assist with the investigation. The investigations, under Op DAK, were initiated after the MACC received information regarding alleged bribery and abuse of power between 2021 and 2022 related to the transfer of the elephants from Zoo Taiping to Tennoji Zoo in Japan.
Further clarifying the financial aspects, Abd Halim noted that the cost of transferring the elephants did not involve Malaysian government funds. Instead, the expenses were fully covered by Tennoji Zoo, amounting to USD1.048 million (approximately RM6.3 million). The elephants were temporarily housed at the National Elephant Conservation Centre Kuala Gandah for crate training before being transported to Japan.
Addressing concerns about the 25-year agreement, Abd Halim explained that the duration was deemed reasonable, considering the elephants' biological factors, such as a gestation period of about two years and the potential for up to six calves during the agreement period.
Investigations under Op DAK are still ongoing, with several transactions requiring further clarification via forensic analysis of money trails and bank accounts. "Most of the investigation can be said to be nearing completion. Once the examination of the money trail is finalised, the MACC will decide on the next course of action, whether to bring charges or close the case," Abd Halim said.
He emphasized that the MACC remains committed to conducting its investigations independently and professionally, adhering strictly to the law without succumbing to external pressures or speculation. Investigating officers have been directed to ensure that the investigation is thorough, transparent, and grounded in facts, testimony, and evidence.
Recently, media reports indicated that Taiping Municipal Council president Mohamed Akmal Dahalan mentioned that the documents requested by the MACC were related to the memorandum of understanding (MoU) concerning the elephants' transfer to Japan.