15/05/2026

FRIDAY | MAY 15, 2026

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PETALING JAYA: The Parliamentary Select Committee on Environment, Science and Plantation Industries is seeking a full briefing and considering a site visit to the Osaka Tennoji Zoo in Japan over growing concerns of the welfare of three Malaysian elephants relocated there from the Zoo Taiping & Night Safari. The 12-member committee, chaired by Kuala Terengganu MP Datuk Ahmad Amzad Mohamed @ Hashim, said the proposed inspection was aimed at independently evaluating the welfare of the elephants – Dara, Amoi and Kelat, collectively known as DAK – following growing public scrutiny over their transfer. “Such a move was necessary to ensure any future decisions are guided by verified facts and able to strengthen Govt moves to strengthen future workforce of nation PUTRAJAYA: The Human Resources Ministry will work with the Education Ministry to strengthen the development of Malaysia’s future talent, in line with a World Bank report, which underscores productivity and talent development as core aspects of the employment agenda. Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan said the collaboration would include early exposure for school students to future career pathways in TVET, STEM, digital technology, artificial intelligence (AI) and other high-skilled sectors. He said the initiative is aimed at ensuring students are better equipped to make informed decisions on their education and career pathways before entering the job market. “The ministry will continue to expand cross-ministerial collaboration, together with its agencies and strategic industry partners, to ensure that skills development, training and talent interventions are implemented in a more focused, responsive and results-oriented manner. “This includes efforts to improve job matching through MyFutureJobs, strengthen the marketability of local talent and assist more Malaysians in accessing high-value and better-paid jobs.” Ramanan said the ministry had taken note of the findings of the World Bank’s Malaysia Economic Monitor April 2026 report titled, “Raising the Ceiling, Raising the Floor: The Jobs Agenda as a Productivity Agenda”, which was launched yesterday. He said the report emphasised that the country’s employment agenda should be anchored in productivity, talent development and quality job creation, to ensure Malaysia continues moving towards a high-income economy. “The report underlines that Malaysia’s main challenge today is no longer just creating jobs, but ensuring that the jobs created are well-matched with skills, productivity and are capable of raising people’s incomes. “The report also highlights that investments in AI, digitalisation and high-value sectors must be supported by a skills ecosystem that is more responsive to industry demand, including lifelong learning and the strategic use of labour market information.” – Bernama Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Jho Low must face justice and not get clemency: Fahmi

KUALA Fugitive businessman Low Taek Jho, better known as Jho Low, should not be granted any pardon as the damage inflicted on Malaysia through the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) scandal was “far too great”, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said. Echoing the stance taken by 1MDB Task Force chairman Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, Fahmi said Jho Low must instead be returned to Malaysia to face justice over his alleged role in one of the world’s biggest financial scandals. “Jho Low should not be given any consideration for pardon because the damage and hardship he brought upon the country are far LUMPUR:

o ‘Damage and hardship inflicted on Malaysia by fugitive financier too great’

name Taek Jho Low this year as “pending” for a “pardon after completion of sentence”. Fahmi said Putrajaya had yet to discuss the matter as news of the alleged application surfaced while the Cabinet meeting was still in session on Wednesday. On Wednesday, Johari said any attempt to secure clemency for Jho Low should be firmly rejected, stressing that the USshould instead assist Malaysia in locating the fugitive businessman to support ongoing investigations. “As far as I’m concerned, I’m against the pardon,” Johari told Reuters in a text message when asked about the reported application. Johari, who is also the Investment, Trade and Industry minister, added that he was unaware of any negotiations involving the return of assets linked to the case. Jho Low faces multiple charges, including corruption and money laundering, in both the US and Malaysia over his alleged involvement in the misappropriation of at least US$4.5 billion (RM17.6 billion) from 1MDB. In 2019, US authorities moved to recover about US$1 billion in assets allegedly linked to Jho Low, including luxury properties in Beverly Hills, New York and London, as well as a private jet and other high-value assets. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said in 2023 that Malaysia was cooperating with several countries to intensify efforts to bring Jho Low home to face justice, although he did not identify the countries involved. Speculation has long persisted that Jho Low may be hiding in China, although Beijing has repeatedly denied harbouring the fugitive financier. decade ago under an agreement between Zoo Taping & Night Safari and Tennoji Zoo. The relocation of DAK has since sparked public debate and triggered the #KembalikanDAK campaign, with calls for the elephants to be brought home. On May 11, theSun reported that DAK Joint Solidarity Secretariat coordinator Neow Choo Seong had urged that any decision on the elephants’ future be guided by independent scientific and welfare assessments rather than emotion. He cautioned that any immediate relocation could further stress the animals following the complex transfer carried out under a 25-year agreement between the two zoos. Neow has called for Malaysia to send an independent team of wildlife experts to conduct a full welfare audit, including physical and behavioural assessments and greater transparency regarding the long-term agreement.

President Donald Trump. According to the reports, the fugitive financier, accused by US authorities of masterminding one of the largest financial frauds in history, had allegedly filed a pardon application several weeks ago. The reports stated that approval of the application could result in US criminal charges against him being dropped. They also claimed that the US Department of Justice website listed an application under the

too great. “He must return and be brought before the courts in Malaysia to face justice. That is what should happen,” he told reporters after the (SPM) Excellence Awards ceremony and Lembah Pantai Teachers’ Day Celebration 2026 yesterday. Bernama reported that Fahmi, who was commenting on foreign media reports claiming that Jho Low had allegedly sought clemency from United States

WINNING WOMEN ... Rural and Regional Development Deputy Minister Datuk Rubiah Wang (fourth from right) at a pulut kuning cutting ceremony yesterday for the Wanita Cukup Berani 2026 programme, a collaboration between the Community Development Department and TV3’s Wanita Hari Ini at the Community Activity Centre in Klang, Selangor. – BERNAMAPIC

Parliamentary select panel probes transfer of elephants to Japan zoo

public confidence. The committee viewed the issue seriously as it has generated widespread public attention and concern,” it said in a statement yesterday. During a briefing to the committee, the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry (NRES) and the Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) outlined the relocation process, including legal compliance, logistics and safety arrangements, as well as facilities provided at the Tennoji Zoo. They also briefed lawmakers on issues relating to the health and welfare of the elephants. “The committee acknowledged the comprehensive explanation provided by the relevant agencies. However, further detailed information was still required, including a review of the agreement between Zoo Taiping & Night Safari and Tennoji Zoo to better understand the obligations of both parties.”

and Amoi, are also in good condition under continuous monitoring. The meeting, held at Parliament on Monday, was attended by a delegation from NRES led by deputy secretary general (Natural Resources) Datuk Mas Rizal Mohd Hilmi. Also present were officials from Perhilitan led by director general Datuk Abdul Kadir Abu Hashim, alongside representatives from the Plantation and Commodities Ministry, the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry and the Energy Transition and Water Transformation Ministry. The committee also expressed appreciation to all ministries and agencies involved for their cooperation in supporting the Parliament’s oversight role. Earlier, Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup had said the transfer of the elephants to Japan on March 10 formed part of a long-term conservation plan initiated more than a

The committee also proposed that a physical inspection of the elephants at the zoo facility be considered to assess their condition firsthand. Meanwhile, Taiping Municipal Council said the male elephant Kelat is in “stable and healthy condition” despite concerns raised online. Council president Mohamed Akmal Dahalan said behavioural changes observed in Kelat were linked to the natural “musth” phase (intoxicated periodic condition) experienced by mature male elephants, which can make them more active, sensitive or aggressive. During this period male elephants are under close monitoring by zoo keepers and veterinary officers. Mohamed Akmal denied claims that Kelat was suffering from an eye problem or being subjected to “force breeding”, adding that fragments of the elephant’s tusk found in the enclosure had likely broken off naturally. He said the two other elephants, Dara