NRES Committed to Assist SPRM in Investigating the Elephant Transfer
PUTRAJAYA, June 23 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (NRES) will fully cooperate with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (SPRM) regarding the investigation into the transfer of three Asian elephants, Dara, Amoi, and Kelat (DAK), from Taiping Zoo to Tennoji Zoo in Osaka, Japan.
Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup, said his ministry is aware of the ongoing investigation and reiterated its commitment to the principles of transparency, accountability, and rule of law in every aspect of wildlife management.
"NRES is ready to provide full and comprehensive cooperation to the authorities throughout this investigation to ensure the process is conducted transparently and thoroughly," he said in a statement today.
He emphasized that the ministry will not compromise or protect any party if any misconduct, irregularities, or procedural violations related to the transfer are proven. He stated that this stance is important to safeguard the integrity of institutions and the country's reputation internationally.
SPRM Opens Investigation
Yesterday, SPRM confirmed that they have opened an investigation into the transfer of DAK following allegations of leaks and irregularities in the process. This investigation follows reports submitted by various parties, including wildlife rights groups.
On June 18, the Malaysian Wildlife Rights Group (Hidup) called on SPRM to investigate the transfer of the three elephants. The organization also claimed that certain payments related to the transfer were not directed to the government and linked several individuals to transactions estimated at RM53 million.
Importance of Wildlife Management
The transfer of Asian elephants, which are an endangered species, raises questions about compliance with international procedures and animal welfare. The elephants were transferred as part of a zoo animal exchange program, but allegations of misconduct have raised concerns about the integrity of wildlife management in Malaysia.
NRES has previously emphasized the importance of complying with international conventions such as CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) in any dealings involving endangered species. The ministry has also tightened procedures to ensure that all wildlife transfer activities are conducted transparently and in accordance with the law.
Follow-up Actions
Minister Arthur emphasized that the government will not tolerate any form of corruption involving the country's natural resources. He stated that if evidence of misconduct is found during the investigation, strict actions will be taken, including prosecution and recovery of losses.
Meanwhile, Hidup welcomed SPRM's decision to open the investigation and hoped this process would reveal the truth behind the allegations. They also urged the government to strengthen monitoring and enforcement systems in wildlife management to prevent similar incidents from recurring.
This development has drawn public attention as it involves issues of animal welfare and national financial integrity. SPRM is expected to take statements from various parties, including NRES officials and Taiping Zoo, in the near future.
NRES Commitment
NRES emphasized that cooperation with SPRM is part of the ministry's ongoing commitment to ensuring good governance in the natural resources and environment sector. Minister Arthur reiterated that his ministry will continue to adhere to legal principles and will not hesitate to take action against any party found guilty.
He said, "We want to ensure that the management of the country's wildlife is carried out with full integrity and responsibility, in line with the nation's aspirations to be a model in environmental conservation."
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