NECC chief Che Ku Zamzuri Chik Wan Ab Rahman said the handlers include Ali Gadong, an Orang Asli man from Pahang’s Cheq Wong people who has experience handling the three elephants – Dara, Amoi, and Kelat.

He said Ali, as well as his colleagues Suhaimi Ibrahim and Faizal Ahmad, will be in Japan for two months from April 15, with the possibility of their stay being extended depending on operational needs.

“Ali is the primary handler for Kelat, a 20-year-old elephant. He also previously handled Dara and Amoi, who are 15 and 10 years old respectively,” Berita Harian reported him as saying today.

Che Ku Zamzuri dismissed rumours online that the three elephants are suffering in Tennoji Zoo, saying videos sent daily by the handlers show that the animals are in good condition and adjusting to their new environment.

He said NECC continues to monitor the animals’ condition in detail via daily technical reports.

Animal rights groups and netizens have expressed concern over the welfare of Dara, Amoi, and Kelat, who were transferred to the zoo in Osaka in March as part of a conservation collaboration and breeding programme.

Pahang menteri besar Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail said on Monday that he would hold a meeting with Taiping Zoo and Night Safari soon to find the best way to bring the elephants back to Malaysia, following questions raised over their welfare and survival in Japan’s four-season climate.