Kuala lumpur: The Department of Wildlife and National Parks (PERHILITAN) Peninsular Malaysia will establish a special task force to review and enhance the laws and standard operating procedures (SOPs) governing elephant processions, following public feedback regarding a viral video showing elephants being used at an event in Pasir Tumboh, Kelantan. This initiative will involve collaboration with relevant stakeholders.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, PERHILITAN's director-general, Datuk Abdul Kadir Abu Hashim, stated that the matter would also be referred to the Integrity Unit of the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry (NRES) and the Governance Investigation Division of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC). This collaboration aims to strengthen the existing SOPs and procedures comprehensively.

The department had previously established an SOP for the management of elephant processions on December 31, 2016. On May 25, PERHILITAN received an application from the Kelantan Land and Mines Office to exhibit elephants and other wildlife during the MADANI Community Programme in Kampung Pasir Tumboh, Kota Bharu. The Special Permit Application Committee reviewed and approved the application on June 16, based on the established SOPs.

Datuk Abdul Kadir mentioned that PERHILITAN conducted health checks on the elephants and selected those suitable for the programme in accordance with the SOPs. Welfare assessments were also carried out before, during, and after the event. He emphasized that PERHILITAN is committed to protecting and conserving the country's wildlife and will continue to improve its practices based on public feedback.

The director-general urged the public to share only verified and accurate information to prevent confusion. Complaints can be lodged via the department's hotline at 1-800-88-5151 or through the Public Complaints Management System (SISPA) on PERHILITAN's official website at www.wildlife.gov.my.