“Thorough investigations and checks have been conducted in the Langkawi Elephant Adventures premises and investigations have found the elephant to be healthy,” the department said in a press statement.

The conditions of the premises were also found to be adequate, as it fulfilled the requirements by the department as the zoo provided wide spaces, shades and such.

“The elephant interactive activity that was conducted has followed the guideline issued by the department as it was limited to only three hours to protect its welfare.

Lasah, who is 36 years old, was said to have been chained for long hours. The local activist group Friend of the Orangutans had said the case was “the worst form of elephant abuse we have had the misfortune to come across”.

However, the zoo, Langkawi Elephant Adventures, said Lasah was only used for rides three hours a day, and had a medical condition which requires its veterinarian’s constant supervision.

Perhilitan said health checks were conducted by the zoo’s veterinarian and the department had conducted checks on the premises in its annual audit.

A permit is required from the department to operate wildlife exhibitions. Offenders face a fine up to RM70,000, or three years’ jail or both, while those found guilty of neglecting the welfare of wildlife could be fined from RM5,000 to RM50,000 or face imprisonment of up to one year or both.