SHAH ALAM – A Malaysian non-governmental organisation (NGO) has formally appealed to the Japanese government to return three Malaysian elephants currently housed in Japan, as public pressure continues to grow over concerns surrounding the animals’ welfare.
Pertubuhan Jalinan Perpaduan Negara Malaysia president Syed Muhammad Imran Syed Abdul Aziz confirmed that the organisation had emailed the Prime Minister's office of Japan and contacted the Malaysian consulate in Japan as part of ongoing efforts to repatriate Dara, Amoi and Kelat (DAK).
In a recent TikTok video posted through the account @syedimranbosskuu, he said the NGO was directly appealing to the Japanese authorities to allow the elephants to return to Malaysia.
“As representatives of a Malaysian NGO, we have sent an email to the Prime Minister of Japan as well as our consulate in Japan requesting for the Malaysian elephants to be brought home,” he said.
He added that the organisation hoped the Japanese authorities would reconsider future arrangements involving Malaysian elephants and instead send zoo personnel to Malaysia to better understand elephant welfare and habitat management.
“Only after attending such training should there even be consideration about bringing our elephants there again and even then, it should be carefully reconsidered,” he said.
Syed Muhammad Imran stressed that the organisation’s focus was not on any agreement between Zoo Taiping and Japanese authorities, but on the condition and wellbeing of the animals.
“We know they are suffering. We know they are being mistreated,” he said.
He also revealed that the NGO had sought assistance from Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan and attached a statement from the Pahang Menteri Besar supporting efforts to bring the elephants home.
The NGO further urged Malaysians to raise awareness respectfully through the Japanese Prime Minister’s official social media platforms by posting the hashtag #DAK.
“Just write #DAK. Do not provoke or post anything negative. We want the Prime Minister of Japan to be aware of this issue and help bring our elephants home,” he said.
Syed Muhammad Imran described the campaign as a humanitarian effort driven by ordinary Malaysians concerned about animal welfare.
“For me, animals have hearts and feelings. If those at the top do not want to pay attention, then let us as ordinary people do what we can,” he said.
He also acknowledged the efforts of Sekretariat Bahana Kesetiaan Negara (SBKB) Secretariat chairman Datuk S. Kalai who has been actively seeking support for the elephants’ return.
“As Malaysians, we have done our part. Now we pray that Allah opens the heart of the Japanese Prime Minister to return our elephants. May our efforts be accepted,” he said.
The TikTok video has since gained nearly 35,000 views, attracting widespread support from Malaysians in the comments section.
One user, @Ledang7, wrote: “Sir, you are truly charismatic in this effort. We all support and pray for success in bringing DAK home.”
Another user, @Norull_Ardillaa_Razak, thanked the NGO and shared that she had also attempted to send an appeal letter to the Johor palace seeking assistance.
“I do not want anything else, I just want our elephant children, DAK, to come back to us in Malaysia,” she wrote.
Meanwhile, Threads user @cikhannah_ thanked the organisation for joining the nationwide campaign and revealed that the Malaysian consulate in Japan had responded and planned to hold further discussions on May 14.
The formal diplomatic appeal sent to the Japanese Prime Minister highlighted concerns over the elephants’ long-term welfare, environmental suitability and emotional wellbeing in a foreign habitat.
The letter stated that elephants are highly intelligent and socially sensitive animals that are deeply connected to their natural surroundings, arguing that the animals would be better suited to thrive within Malaysia’s native ecosystem.
The NGO also proposed future collaboration between Malaysia and Japanese institutions in elephant conservation, including technical exchanges, field visits and knowledge-sharing programmes focused on ethical and sustainable elephant management.
The issue first gained national attention after a viral video posted by Malaysian tourists visiting Tennoji Zoo raised concerns over the living conditions of the three elephants.
Dara, Amoi and Kelat were originally sent to Japan under Malaysia’s Elephant Conservation Programme for breeding and research collaboration. However, public concern has since evolved into a broader movement involving advocacy campaigns, petitions and public gatherings calling for their return.
Support has also come from political groups and animal welfare advocates, including Barisan Nasional Youth, which established the DAK Joint Solidarity Secretariat to coordinate awareness efforts.
Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail had also proposed relocating the elephants to the National Elephant Conservation Centre, Kuala Gandah if they are eventually returned to Malaysia.
Public concern intensified following allegations that Kelat may have suffered a leg injury while in Japan, although Perak Housing and Local Government Committee chairman Sandrea Ng previously clarified that the elephants were not sold and remain under the ownership of Zoo Taiping, with the relocation approved by Wildlife and National Parks Department and conducted in accordance with international conservation regulations.