A meeting involving key stakeholders will be held next week to thoroughly discuss the relocation of three Malaysian elephants — Dara, Amoi and Kelat — said Perak Housing and Local Government Committee chairman Sandrea Ng Shy Ching.
She said the state government has taken note of recent statements made by Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup as well as Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail regarding the matter.
“The outcome of the discussion will form the basis of the state government’s official position before a more complete and comprehensive statement is issued,” she said in a statement yesterday.
Sandrea added that the state government appreciates the concern shown by various parties over the issue and remains committed to ensuring that animal welfare considerations are given due attention.
The issue has drawn wider attention following remarks by Arthur, who said the management of Zoo Taiping & Night Safari (ZTNS) should initiate discussions with Tennoji Zoo in Osaka, Japan, to assess the arrangements and contractual obligations related to bringing the elephants back to Malaysia.
On the same day, Wan Rosdy urged ZTNS to take swift action to repatriate the three elephants and relocate them to the National Elephant Conservation Centre in Kuala Gandah, Temerloh.
Previously, the elephants were sent to Japan as part of a conservation and breeding programme, with proper preparation and monitoring in place to help them adapt to their new environment.
