KUALA LUMPUR: Efforts to bring home three Malaysian elephants currently housed in Japan have entered Parliament, with a memorandum urging government intervention handed to MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong following a 290km awareness run from Taiping.
The memorandum, calling for the return of Dara, Amoi and Kelat, collectively known as DAK, from Tennoji Zoo in Osaka, was presented to the Ayer Hitam MP by Barisan Nasional Youth community affairs bureau chief Neow Choo Seong at 10am on Monday (June 22).
Dr Wee added that he would continue raising the issue in Parliament and press for greater attention to the welfare of the three elephants.
"I received a memorandum concerning the welfare of, and Malaysia's responsibility towards, three Malaysian elephants currently housed at Tennoji Zoo in Osaka, Japan – Dara, Amoi and Kelat.
"I have been following developments involving the three elephants closely and understand the concerns raised by animal welfare groups and members of the public.
"I will do my utmost to ensure this matter receives the attention it deserves and to help secure the appropriate protection and welfare for DAK," he said on Monday (June 22).
Dr Wee commended the efforts of activists and non-governmental organisations that have continued advocating for the elephants, saying public awareness played an important role in safeguarding animal welfare.
He also congratulated Neow for completing the six-day run despite the physical challenges involved and thanked supporters who had backed the campaign.
The handover marked the end of Neow's six-day solo run, which began at Taiping Zoo on June 17 and covered about 290km through Perak, Selangor and Kuala Lumpur before ending at Parliament.
Neow said the run was aimed at drawing public attention to growing concerns over the welfare of the elephants, which were sent to Japan on March 11.
"This run is not about me. It is about giving a voice to Dara, Amoi and Kelat and reminding Malaysians that they are part of our wildlife heritage," he said.
He said the memorandum represented the hopes of many Malaysians who wanted the government to review the elephants' situation and explore the possibility of bringing them home.
"Time is running out. Concerns over their health and welfare have continued to grow, and we believe their plight deserves urgent attention.
"We hope today's memorandum will be the start of a broader discussion involving the relevant authorities and lawmakers on the future of these elephants," he added.
Along the way, Neow met members of the public at various stops to raise awareness about the welfare of Dara, Amoi and Kelat and efforts to bring the three elephants back to Malaysia.
Among those who joined the final leg of the run to Parliament and attended the memorandum handover were former Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin, Senator Ng Keng Heng, former Bangi MP Ong Kian Ming, activist Shereen Yunos and other animal welfare supporters.
