From Taiping to Parliament, activist runs for Dara, Amoi and Kelat

The welfare of three elephants – Dara, Amoi and Kelat – has drawn public attention following viral photos shared online. (Facebook pic)

PETALING JAYA: An activist plans to run nearly 300km from Taiping, Perak to the Parliament building in Kuala Lumpur to urge lawmakers to discuss the welfare of three Malaysian elephants currently housed at a zoo in Japan.

Neow Choo Seong, coordinator of the “Solidariti Bersama Dara, Amoi dan Kelat” secretariat, said the run aims to keep public attention focused on the elephants and encourage government action if concerns about their welfare persist.

“We previously tried to submit a memorandum to Zoo Taiping, but it was not accepted. So we decided to bring it to Parliament, where the people’s voices are meant to be heard,” he said.

Neow, who is also MCA Youth information chief, said he felt compelled to act as a native of Taiping.

The three elephants from Zoo Taiping & Night Safari arrived at Osaka’s Tennoji Zoo on March 11 and have been on public display since April 21.

The Taiping municipal council later said the transfer was not a commercial transaction but part of an official collaboration between the two zoos.

However, photos that later circulated on social media sparked concern among members of the public about the elephants’ welfare and the conditions at the zoo.

Neow Choo Seong says the campaign is aimed at finding solutions, not assigning blame.

On May 6, Tennoji Zoo released a series of photographs featuring the elephants, saying they were in good condition.

Neow believes Malaysia should nevertheless be prepared to bring the animals home if they are not being properly cared for.

“We are not here to point fingers. We want to solve the problem. We want the government to act,” he said.

The run is scheduled to begin on June 17 and will take Neow through Ipoh, Kampar, Tapah, Tanjung Malim and Sungai Buloh before reaching Kuala Lumpur.

Public briefings and dialogue sessions on the campaign will be held at selected stops along the route to raise awareness about the issue.

Neow hopes to arrive at Parliament before the Dewan Rakyat sits on June 22.

Neow’s route to Parliament includes stops in Ipoh, Kampar, Tapah, Tanjung Malim and Sungai Buloh.

He is also inviting members of the public to join the run, whether for the entire journey or selected segments.

Several NGOs have already expressed interest in supporting the campaign, particularly for the final stretch from Perdana Botanical Gardens to Parliament.

“I hope there will be MPs who care enough to bring this issue forward on behalf of Malaysians,” Neow added.