A peaceful gathering organised by Pertubuhan Ihsan Haiwan Malaysia drew attention outside Parliament today. Also present was Ayer Hitam MP Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong. - Social media pic, June 22, 2026
Rally outside Parliament amplifies calls for elephant repatriation
Supporters say wildlife should remain within native ecosystems
Updated 30 minutes ago
22 June, 2026
2:16 PM MYT
KUALA LUMPUR — A peaceful gathering organised by Pertubuhan Ihsan Haiwan Malaysia drew attention outside Parliament today, as activists and members of the public called for the immediate return of three Malaysian elephants currently kept in Japan.
The protest began as early as 8am, with participants dressed in black in a show of solidarity. Demonstrators carried banners and elephant-shaped cutouts, amplifying calls for the repatriation of the animals under the “Kembalikan DAK” campaign, which has gained traction online in recent weeks.
The presence of Subang Member of Parliament Wong Chen, who was seen standing in solidarity with the group, further underscored growing parliamentary attention towards the issue.
What is ‘DAK’?
Contrary to public speculation, DAK is not a name or cultural reference but an acronym referring to three Malaysian elephants: Dara (14), Amoi (9), and Kelat (20).
The elephants were transferred from Taiping Zoo & Night Safari to Tennoji Zoo in Osaka, Japan, under a 2022 business-to-business cooperation agreement involving the Taiping Municipal Council. The arrangement is understood to be a 25-year loan agreement.
Concerns over welfare in captivity
The “Kembalikan DAK” campaign gained momentum after videos of the elephants in Osaka circulated widely on social media, prompting concern among animal welfare advocates about their living conditions.
Critics argue that Japan’s temperate climate and urban zoo environment are unsuitable for Malaysian elephants, which are native to tropical habitats.
The Taiping Municipal Council has defended the arrangement, citing monitoring data suggesting that Dara, Amoi and Kelat have shown steady weight gain since their relocation. However, animal welfare groups and activists remain unconvinced.
“We demand that Malaysia’s natural heritage be returned to our country,” read a main banner displayed during today’s protest.
Activists also stressed that wildlife conservation efforts should prioritise natural or native environments rather than long-term overseas zoo arrangements.
Government open to review and negotiations
The protest comes amid increased scrutiny of the 2022 agreement. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability has previously clarified that the federal government was not a party to the deal, which was signed under the previous administration.
However, Minister Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup has stated that the government is treating the welfare concerns seriously and has urged the Taiping Municipal Council to explore renegotiation options with Japanese authorities.
The ministry has also indicated it is prepared to assist financially with repatriation costs should a viable mechanism be agreed upon.
Growing parliamentary attention
The visible support from lawmakers, including Wong Chen, suggests that the “Kembalikan DAK” campaign is moving beyond social media advocacy into formal legislative discussion.
With pressure mounting outside the nation’s legislative chamber, activists are urging Members of Parliament to push for the termination or revision of the 25-year agreement, and to prioritise the safe return of Dara, Amoi and Kelat to Malaysia. – June 22, 2026
Rally outside Parliament amplifies calls for elephant repatriation
Supporters say wildlife should remain within native ecosystems
Updated 30 minutes ago
22 June, 2026
2:16 PM MYT
KUALA LUMPUR — A peaceful gathering organised by Pertubuhan Ihsan Haiwan Malaysia drew attention outside Parliament today, as activists and members of the public called for the immediate return of three Malaysian elephants currently kept in Japan.
The protest began as early as 8am, with participants dressed in black in a show of solidarity. Demonstrators carried banners and elephant-shaped cutouts, amplifying calls for the repatriation of the animals under the “Kembalikan DAK” campaign, which has gained traction online in recent weeks.
The presence of Subang Member of Parliament Wong Chen, who was seen standing in solidarity with the group, further underscored growing parliamentary attention towards the issue.
What is ‘DAK’?
Contrary to public speculation, DAK is not a name or cultural reference but an acronym referring to three Malaysian elephants: Dara (14), Amoi (9), and Kelat (20).
The elephants were transferred from Taiping Zoo & Night Safari to Tennoji Zoo in Osaka, Japan, under a 2022 business-to-business cooperation agreement involving the Taiping Municipal Council. The arrangement is understood to be a 25-year loan agreement.
Concerns over welfare in captivity
The “Kembalikan DAK” campaign gained momentum after videos of the elephants in Osaka circulated widely on social media, prompting concern among animal welfare advocates about their living conditions.
Critics argue that Japan’s temperate climate and urban zoo environment are unsuitable for Malaysian elephants, which are native to tropical habitats.
The Taiping Municipal Council has defended the arrangement, citing monitoring data suggesting that Dara, Amoi and Kelat have shown steady weight gain since their relocation. However, animal welfare groups and activists remain unconvinced.
“We demand that Malaysia’s natural heritage be returned to our country,” read a main banner displayed during today’s protest.
Activists also stressed that wildlife conservation efforts should prioritise natural or native environments rather than long-term overseas zoo arrangements.
Government open to review and negotiations
The protest comes amid increased scrutiny of the 2022 agreement. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability has previously clarified that the federal government was not a party to the deal, which was signed under the previous administration.
However, Minister Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup has stated that the government is treating the welfare concerns seriously and has urged the Taiping Municipal Council to explore renegotiation options with Japanese authorities.
The ministry has also indicated it is prepared to assist financially with repatriation costs should a viable mechanism be agreed upon.
Growing parliamentary attention
The visible support from lawmakers, including Wong Chen, suggests that the “Kembalikan DAK” campaign is moving beyond social media advocacy into formal legislative discussion.
With pressure mounting outside the nation’s legislative chamber, activists are urging Members of Parliament to push for the termination or revision of the 25-year agreement, and to prioritise the safe return of Dara, Amoi and Kelat to Malaysia. – June 22, 2026
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Then, what about China's loan of pandas?
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