AMPANG JAYA, Jan 10 — Giant pandas Chen Xing (male) and Xiao Yue (female) made their debut at Zoo Negara here today with an unveiling for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The pair arrived in Malaysia on November 18, and after a quarantine period, have begun to display normal active behaviour, which indicates good adaptability.
Also present at the debut were Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup, Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari, and Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia Ouyang Yujing.
Meanwhile, Anwar pledged an additional RM5 million to Zoo Negara for its maintenance and management this year, adding that the allocation was approved due to the wildlife centre’s encouraging performance, especially in attracting local and foreign visitors, as well as in its role as an education centre for environmental conservation.
This follows the RM5 million Zoo Negara received from the government last year.
“For this year, I approved another RM5 million to ensure optimal maintenance and management,” he told a press conference at Zoo Negara after meeting Chen Xing and Xiao Yue.
“I want to take the opportunity, through the People’s Republic of China’s Ambassador to Malaysia, His Excellency Ouyang Yujing, to express my highest gratitude and thanks to the People’s Republic of China government, President Xi Jinping, Prime Minister Li Qiang, and the entire Chinese government for this meaningful contribution.
“The presence of these pandas are a main attraction for local and international tourists. I would also like to thank the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry and the entire Zoo Negara team for their ability to care for these pandas well.
“This is a proud achievement as it reflects the country’s capabilities,” Anwar added.
On April 16, Malaysia and China signed a cooperation deal during Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to Kuala Lumpur, to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties.
Both countries signed a deal between the Peninsular Malaysia Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) and China Wildlife Conservation Association, wherein Malaysia receives a pair of giant pandas for 10 years until 2035.
This deal is part of China’s international conservation initiative spanning 20 countries, also known as “panda diplomacy”.
Malaysia first received China’s giant pandas in 2014. Fu Wa (male) and Feng Yi (female) lived in Malaysia for 11 years before they were sent home to China last year.
In a related development, Anwar said there is no pressing need to expand Zoo Negara’s capacity, though talks are underway with the Selangor government to increase the facility space if need be.
“This has to be assessed as the surroundings are rather congested due to large-scale developments outside the zoo.
“We have reserve land (but) don’t necessarily have to use every inch of it. The government is firm in ensuring this space remains green,” Anwar said.
