290km DAK Solidarity Run to Begin in Taiping This Wednesday

Zaki Salleh 2 hours ago

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By Zaki Salleh

TAIPING: A campaign highlighting the plight of three Malaysian elephants — Dara, Amoi and Kelat (DAK), currently housed at Tennoji Zoo in Japan will take centre stage through the DAK Solidarity Run, which begins this Wednesday.

The 290-kilometre solo run from Taiping to the Parliament building in Kuala Lumpur is being spearheaded by DAK Solidarity Secretariat coordinator Neow Choo Seong to raise public awareness over the welfare of the three elephants.

Neow, who is also Barisan Nasional Youth’s communications director and deputy prime minister II of the movement, will cover approximately 290km across Perak, Selangor and the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur over six days.

In a statement, the DAK Solidarity Secretariat said the run reflects its commitment and solidarity in urging the government and relevant stakeholders to pay closer attention to the welfare of the elephants.

Along the route, Neow is expected to meet local communities at various stops to promote awareness of the importance of protecting Malaysia’s national heritage and to advocate for justice for the animals.

“This run is not merely a physical challenge, but also a call for Dara, Amoi and Kelat to be brought home to Malaysia.

“Time is running out. Since being transferred to Japan on March 11, 2026, the health condition of Dara, Amoi and Kelat has appeared to deteriorate, and this matter should be urgently debated in the Dewan Rakyat.

“I urge Malaysians to support this cause and give due attention to the struggle to ensure the welfare of these iconic national animals is safeguarded,” Neow said.

A petition is also expected to be handed over at the main entrance of Parliament on June 22, the opening day of the parliamentary sitting, to Ayer Hitam MP Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong for the issue to be raised in the Dewan Rakyat.

The DAK Solidarity Secretariat expressed hope that the run’s conclusion at Parliament would pave the way for more constructive engagement between the Malaysian government and Tennoji Zoo regarding the future of the three elephants.