PUTRAJAYA - The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has confirmed it has opened an investigation into the transfer of three elephants - Dara, Amoi and Kelat (DAK) - from the Taiping Zoo to Tennoji Zoo in Osaka, Japan.
In a statement today, the MACC said the probe follows allegations of irregularities and misconduct in the transfer process.
The investigation is focusing on the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES), the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan), and agents involved in the relocation of the elephants.
According to the commission, investigators are examining claims that payments related to the transfer were not channelled to the government, as well as whether elements of corruption, abuse of power or misappropriation were involved.
"The investigation is still at an early stage and is being conducted comprehensively,” the statement said.
On June 18, a wildlife advocacy group, Hidup, called on the MACC to investigate the transfer.
The group alleged that payments linked to the transaction had not been remitted to the government and implicated several individuals in dealings estimated to be worth RM53 million.
The MACC urged the public to refrain from speculation or drawing conclusions that could interfere with the ongoing investigation. - BERNAMA