PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has opened an investigation paper into the transfer of three Asian elephants from Zoo Taiping to Japan following allegations involving RM53mil in transactions and the possibility of corruption, misappropriation and abuse of power.
In a statement on Monday (June 22), the graft buster said the investigation focuses on the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry (NRES), the Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan), as well as agents involved in the transfer of the three elephants, known as Dara, Amoi and Kelat (DAK).
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According to MACC, the investigation was initiated following a call for a probe by wildlife rights group Persatuan Hak Asasi Hidupan Liar Malaysia (Hidup) on June 18.
The group alleged that payments related to the transfer were not channelled to the government and linked several individuals to transactions estimated to be worth RM53mil.
"Following this, the MACC is also investigating the alleged leakages and examining whether there were any elements of corruption, misappropriation or abuse of power in the matter.
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"The MACC wishes to stress that the investigation is still at an early stage and is being carried out comprehensively," the commission said.
The MACC also urged the public not to engage in speculation or draw conclusions that could affect the ongoing investigation.
The commission said it remains committed to conducting investigations in a professional, independent and transparent manner and will not compromise on any acts of corruption or abuse of power should there be sufficient evidence for further action.
