Comforting presence: Goh visiting the Dujiangyan Giant Panda Base in Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
PETALING JAYA: It’s a testament to her “soft power” that some Malaysians are willing to spend at least RM5,000 just to celebrate her fourth birthday.
Sheng Yi, the third panda that was born in Malaysia on May 31, 2021, and is now based in Sichuan province, would have Malaysian visitors such as part-time tutor Chin Lee Peng.
“I have brought a special banner to celebrate her birthday,” she said.
Chin, 56, said she spent RM1,170 on the flight ticket. The overall expenses for the 12-day trip, which include tickets for high-speed trains and entrance fees, would cost her about RM5,000.
Her earlier plan was to visit China on her own to celebrate the birthday of Yi Yi, whose birth on Jan 14, 2018 marked the second panda born in Malaysia.
“Originally, I was planning to go alone to visit Yi Yi and celebrate Sheng Yi’s birthday, but another friend wanted to join me,” she said.
Yi Yi and Sheng Yi are the offspring of Fu Wa and Feng Yi who were loaned by China to Malaysia in 2014 to mark the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Their older sister Nuan Nuan, born in 2015, went back to China in 2017.
Recalling her first time seeing pandas in Malaysia, Chin said, “I’d never seen pandas then. Now, every time I see them, I feel happy and relaxed. Pandas really do have a special charm.”
Chin said that pandas had helped her open up and connect with others.
“I’m quite an introvert. I wouldn’t leave the house unless I had to. But pandas made me want to share my experiences and meet people from around the world. They truly are goodwill ambassadors, bridging cultures,” she added.
Chin also said she had made many friends in China.
“When people in China hear how well Malaysia cared for the pandas, they’re always so grateful,” she added.
Travel agent Saw Beng Teik said that visiting a panda base has become an essential part of tours for Malaysians visiting Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan.
“This has been a popular request from Malaysians for many years. They love pandas. They are always keen to visit China to see more of them. There are so many famous panda ‘stars’ there,” he said.
Fellow travel industry professional Lily Chin said that since Malaysia welcomed the first pair of pandas, the demand for panda tours has grown steadily, especially from the “superfans”.
“Many Malaysian tourists now request that their itineraries include panda bases in China. We’re planning to include more panda-viewing spots in our tours,” she added.
One Malaysian who is eagerly awaiting for such a visit in March next year is retiree Goh Leang Leang, 54.
“I will go with a few of my friends. We’re joining a nine-day tour to China just to see the pandas.”
She said the tour, which includes meals, transport, a driver and a guide, would cost about 6,500 yuan (RM3,835).
The tour, she added, would focus only on visiting panda bases and parks in Chengdu and other parts of Sichuan province.
Goh said that pandas have been a source of comfort and healing during her battle with cancer.
“I had stage three breast cancer and was going through treatment three years ago. At that time, I had nothing else to look forward to,” she said.
Goh revealed that she once thought of giving up medical treatment, especially after her second round of chemotherapy.
“Because my immune system was so weak, I couldn’t be near anyone, so I just stayed in my room.
“It was so hard, but the doctor persuaded me to keep going,” she said.
One day, she chanced upon videos of pandas in other countries while browsing the Internet.
“Their adorable and clumsy ways just drew me in.
“Those videos eased my pain and lifted my spirits. I didn’t cry anymore,” she said. “I started paying more attention to Malaysia’s own pandas, too.”
As she regained her health, Goh began visiting pandas in different places. Besides Zoo Negara, she has gone to see pandas in China and Taiwan.
On May 18, the departure of Fu Wa and Feng Yi to China marked the last of the five pandas being sent home.
However, a new deal was signed in April during the state visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Malaysia.
Under the agreement, Malaysia will receive a new pair of giant pandas for a 10-year period from 2025 to 2035.
