SHAH ALAM - The decision by the Parliament’s Select Committee on Environment, Science and Plantation Industries to consider a visit to Japan over concerns involving Malaysian elephants Dara, Amoi and Kelat marks a major turning point in the ongoing controversy.
Solidarity Secretariat for Dara, Amoi & Kelat coordinator Neow Choo Seong said the matter had now evolved beyond public debate on social media into an issue receiving formal parliamentary attention and scrutiny.
He said the committee’s proposed visit to Tennoji Zoo in Osaka reflected how concerns raised by Malaysians, civil society groups, wildlife experts and animal welfare advocates were finally being taken seriously at the national level.
“The fact that Parliament itself is seeking an independent assessment indicates that concerns regarding the welfare, adaptation, health condition and long-term suitability of the elephants at Tennoji Zoo remain valid and unresolved,” he said in a statement.
Neow also welcomed the committee’s intention to review the agreement between Taiping Zoo and Night Safari and Tennoji Zoo, describing it as an important step towards ensuring greater transparency and accountability.
He stressed that ethical responsibility was crucial in matters involving wildlife welfare, particularly when it involved endangered and highly intelligent animals such as Asian elephants.
“The concerns expressed by Malaysians are not based solely on emotion, but are increasingly supported by scientific understanding of elephant psychology, social behaviour, environmental stress and adaptation challenges,” he said.
He added that Asian elephants possess strong emotional bonds, memory and social intelligence, making them highly sensitive to sudden changes in environment and social structure.
“Sudden separation from familiar surroundings, tropical climate, caretakers and established social environments can have significant physical and psychological impacts on their wellbeing,” he added.
At the same time, Neow described the parliamentary initiative as a constructive development that could help establish clearer facts and reduce speculation surrounding the issue.
“A fact-finding mission can help establish clearer evidence, reduce speculation and ensure that any future decisions are guided by professional assessment, scientific evidence and humane considerations,” he said.
However, he urged the committee to include independent Malaysian wildlife experts in the delegation to Japan.
Neow said veterinarians, zoologists, animal scientists and conservation specialists should be part of the mission to independently verify the elephants’ condition and provide objective professional findings.
“Ultimately, Malaysians simply want assurance that Dara, Amoi and Kelat are safe, healthy, properly cared for and treated with dignity and compassion. Their welfare must always remain the highest priority,” he said.