Perhilitan to review SOPs for elephant processions

PETALING JAYA: The wildlife and national parks department (Perhilitan) will review its standard operating procedures (SOPs) for elephant processions following public feedback over a viral video of elephants being used at a recent event in Pasir Tumboh, Kelantan.

In a statement, Perhilitan director-general Abdul Kadir Abu Hashim said the department already has SOPs for the management of elephant processions, which have been in place since Dec 31, 2016.

He explained that Perhilitan received an application from the Kelantan land and mines office on May 25 to exhibit elephants and other wildlife during a Madani community programme in Kampung Pasir Tumboh, Kota Bharu.

Kadir said Perhilitan’s special permit application committee, which met on June 16, approved the application based on the existing SOPs.

He said Perhilitan selected the elephants involved and carried out health inspections in accordance with the existing guidelines, adding that the elephants were monitored before, during and after the event.

“However, Perhilitan acknowledges and appreciates the concerns raised by civil society groups and the Malaysian public regarding elephant welfare,” he said.

“We will form a special task force to improve the existing SOPs. Perhilitan remains committed to protecting and conserving the country’s wildlife, and we will continue improving our practices based on public feedback.”

He added that Perhilitan will also seek assistance from the natural resources and environmental sustainability ministry’s integrity unit and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission’s governance investigation division to strengthen its SOPs.