IPOH: The Perak government will discuss a proposal to seek the relocation of three elephants currently housed in Tennoji Zoo in Osaka, Japan following concerns over their well-being.
State housing and local government committee chairman Sandrea Ng said she had taken note of the statements by the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister and Pahang Mentri Besar.
She also acknowledged public concern over the issue and reiterated the state government's commitment to animal welfare.
"A meeting has been arranged with several stakeholders and top leadership early next week to examine this matter in greater detail and comprehensively," she said in a statement on Thursday (April 30).
Ng said a more comprehensive statement would be issued after the discussions take place.
She also thanked all parties for their attention and understanding regarding the issue.
A viral video of Malaysian tourists visiting Tennoji Zoo in Osaka raised concerns about the animals' living conditions and habitat.
The elephants, Amoi (aged nine), Dara (14) and Kelat (20) were sent to Tennoji Zoo under the Malaysian Elephant Conservation Programme for breeding and research purposes on March 10.
Earlier, MCA Youth information chief Neow Choo Seong had said Barisan Nasional Youth would establish a "Solidarity with DAK secretariat" to spearhead efforts to bring home the three Malaysian elephants.
He said the secretariat would serve as a platform to coordinate advocacy, raise public awareness and drive sustained action to safeguard animal welfare and ensure more humane treatment of wildlife.
