SHAH ALAM – Animal welfare advocate Neow Choo Seong is undertaking a gruelling 290km solo run from Taiping to Parliament in a bid to draw greater public attention to the welfare and future of three Malaysian elephants currently housed in Japan.
The six-day endurance run, organised under the Solidariti Bersama DAK Secretariat, seeks to amplify calls for stronger efforts to safeguard the wellbeing of the elephants, Dara, Amoi and Kelat, and explore the possibility of bringing them home to Malaysia.
Neow, who is also MCA Youth information chief, began the journey on June 17 and is expected to arrive at Parliament on June 22, coinciding with the opening day of the Dewan Rakyat sitting.
The initiative comes amid growing concern among animal welfare advocates over the long-term welfare of the three elephants, which have spent years in captivity overseas.
Speaking on the campaign, Neow said the run was not merely a physical challenge but a symbolic effort to give a voice to animals that are unable to speak for themselves.
He said the welfare of Dara, Amoi and Kelat deserved greater public attention and urged Malaysians to take an active interest in the issue.
“The purpose of this run is to raise awareness and encourage constructive discussion about the future of these elephants. We hope Malaysians from all walks of life will join us in advocating for their welfare and ensuring every possible effort is made to protect them,” he said.
According to the Solidariti Bersama DAK Secretariat, the campaign is intended to generate broader public engagement and support for the elephants, whose situation has increasingly become a topic of discussion among conservationists and animal rights groups.
The secretariat said the journey would culminate with the presentation of a public petition at Parliament’s main entrance.
The petition is expected to be handed over to Ayer Hitam MP Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong, with the hope that concerns raised by the public can be brought before the Dewan Rakyat for consideration and discussion.
Organisers believe parliamentary attention could help pave the way for more comprehensive engagement between Malaysian authorities and stakeholders involved in the elephants’ future.
The campaign is also aimed at encouraging dialogue between the Malaysian government, relevant agencies and Japan’s Tennoji Zoo, where discussions surrounding the elephants’ welfare have been ongoing.
Neow and the secretariat hopes that the conclusion of the run would mark the beginning of more meaningful and constructive discussions on the next steps for Dara, Amoi and Kelat.
Animal welfare advocates have increasingly argued that decisions involving captive wildlife should prioritise long-term wellbeing, quality of life and conservation considerations.
For Neow, the run represents a personal commitment to ensuring that the conversation surrounding the three elephants remains in the public spotlight.
By taking on nearly 300km on foot, he hopes to transform public sympathy into action and encourage policymakers, conservation groups and ordinary Malaysians to work together in seeking the best possible outcome for the animals.
As the runner makes his way towards Parliament, organisers say the message behind the campaign remains simple: the welfare of Dara, Amoi and Kelat should not be forgotten, and every effort should be made to secure a future that prioritises their wellbeing.
The Solidariti Bersama DAK Secretariat hopes the initiative will serve as a push for wider public engagement and ultimately contribute to a solution that safeguards the interests of the three elephants for years to come.