KUALA LUMPUR: Fans of Fu Wa and Feng Yi will be delighted to know that the giant pandas, on loan from China, will remain in Zoo Negara.
Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad (
c) said the loan agreement between Malaysia and China related to the pandas has been extended.
He said the giant pandas remain a symbol of close friendship between Malaysia and China.
“With regards to the pandas, the extension (to the agreement) has started. The pandas have drawn many visitors to Zoo Negara. That is why the government has been supportive of ensuring that they remain there,” he told media practitioners after attending the Concorde Club meeting yesterday.
The Concorde Club is an informal gathering of editors and senior journalists with politicians, policymakers and key opinion leaders.
Previous guests of the Concorde Club, led by Bernama chairman Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai, included senior ministers and government leaders.
When asked if the agreement was for the existing pandas or new ones, Nik Nazmi said that the Cabinet on June 28, 2024, agreed to continue the Giant Panda Conservation Project Agreement, which involves the return of the existing pair and the acceptance of a younger new pair.
"This matter has also been previously agreed upon by the RRC (China's State Forestry Administration)," he said.
Fu Wa and Feng Yi were loaned from China to Malaysia on May 21, 2014, in conjunction with the 40th year of Malaysia-China ties.
The 10-year loan will come to an end this year, which coincides with the 50th anniversary of Malaysia-China diplomatic ties.
Zoo Negara, recognised by the Chinese government as one of the world’s best caretakers of giant pandas, had previously called for an extension of the panda loan for at least another two years.
Fu Wa and Feng Yi (then renamed Xing Xing and Liang Liang) had three cubs – Nuan Nuan, Yi Yi and Sheng Yi.
All three cubs have returned to China as part of the agreement.
According to the agreement, each giant panda cub must be sent back to China when it reaches 24 months of age and no more than four years old.
