Subscribe to our FREE Newsletter, or Telegram and WhatsApp channels for the latest stories and updates.
Malaysia’s wildlife authority has defended its decision to approve the use of two elephants at a community event in Kelantan, saying all proper procedures were followed — but stopped short of addressing viral claims that the animals were used as entertainment at a private wedding.
In a statement on Tuesday (30 June), the Department of Wildlife and National Parks, known as PERHILITAN, said it received an application on 25 May to display elephants and wildlife at a MADANI Community Programme in Kampung Pasir Tumboh, Kota Bharu.
The application came from the Kelantan State Director of Lands and Mines.
A special permit committee met on June 16 and approved the request, PERHILITAN said, adding that health checks on the elephants were carried out before, during, and after the event.
What the Viral Video Showed
A video circulating on social media appeared to show an elephant — which some identified as Sanum — being used in a procession at what appeared to be a wedding.
The clip led to public backlash, with many questioning whether it was appropriate to use protected wildlife at what some described as a private wedding.
Two environmental groups, Peka and HIDUP, called on authorities to investigate.
They pointed out that Asian elephants are classified as a “totally protected” species under Malaysia’s Wildlife Conservation Act 2010, and said the animals are “Malaysia’s national heritage, not a commodity for private parties, weddings, or commercial exploitation.”
A member of the public also lodged a police report over the matter.
“We Followed the Rules”, But the Question Remains
In its statement, PERHILITAN made no mention of a wedding.
It referred to the event only as a government-linked MADANI community programme throughout and maintained that the permit was issued in full compliance with its Standard Operating Procedure — a document in place since 31 December, 2016.
The department acknowledged public concern, saying it was “aware and sensitive” to feedback from civil society and Malaysians at large.
In response, PERHILITAN announced it would form a Special Task Force to review and improve existing laws, SOPs, and procedures relating to elephant programmes, in consultation.
@newswav Baru-baru ini, tular video yang menyaksikan satu majlis perkahwinan di mana pengantin lelaki diarak ke dewan majlis dengan menaiki seekor gajah. Difahamkan gajah tersebut merupakan seekor gajah denak betina yang digelar Sanum yang sudah berusia sekitar 20 tahun yang dijaga di Pusat Konservasi Gajah Kebangsaan Kuala Gandah. Menurut orang awam, kenduri kahwin itu dijalankan oleh seorang individu berstatus ‘Datin’ bagi anak perempuannya. Mereka turut mendakwa bahawa Datin tersebut sering memberi sumbangan buat gajah-gajah di Pusat Konservasi Kuala Gandah dan dikenali kerana menjaga anak gajah yang digelar Tanjung. Menjenguk ke ruangan balas, ramai yang meluahkan rasa tidak puas hati dan berang dengan tindakan pengantin lelaki yang menaiki gajah. Orang ramai sememangnya bersetuju bahawa gajah tidak sepatutnya dinaiki oleh sesiapa pun dan bertentangan dengan etika antarabangsa. Sebagai info, Pusat Konservasi Gajah Kebangsaan Kuala Gandah (NECC) sebenarnya telah menghentikan aktiviti menaiki gajah buat orang ramai sejak tahun 2012 lagi. Sebaliknya, hanya penjaga gajah digelar sebagai mahout sahaja yang menaiki haiwan itu. #fypmalaysia #viralmalaysia #tiktokmalaysia #viral #fyp ♬ original sound – Newswav
READ MORE: “So Unethical” — Groom Riding An Elephant During Wedding Sparks Public Anger
Share your thoughts with us via TRP’s Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or Threads.
