In a heartening move for wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists alike, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has pledged to engage with Chinese authorities to extend the stay of Malaysia's beloved giant pandas. These iconic animals, Xing Xing and Liang Liang, have been captivating visitors at Zoo Negara since 2014 under a special loan agreement between Malaysia and China.
During his speech commemorating the 60th anniversary of Zoo Negara in Kuala Lumpur, Anwar expressed optimism about the prospects of keeping the pandas in Malaysia beyond their current agreement. Citing the strong bilateral ties between Malaysia and China, Anwar stated, “The pandas are due to return. I will contact the Chinese government, especially Chinese President Xi Jinping, on the continuation of pandas being in Malaysia.”
The initial loan agreement, known as the International Giant Panda Conservation Cooperation Agreement, allowed for a 10-year stay for Xing Xing and Liang Liang in Malaysia. Liang Liang, in her time at Zoo Negara, even birthed three adorable cubs – Nuan Nuan, Yi Yi, and Sheng Yi. While the first cub returned to China in 2017, the younger pair bid farewell last August.
In addition to the heartwarming panda news, Anwar announced a significant allocation of RM5 million from the government towards the development of Zoo Negara. This funding comes as part of a broader effort to support the zoo's ongoing conservation initiatives and infrastructure improvements.
Further enhancing the financial boost, Anwar highlighted the contributions from corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs by various companies. He shared that Zoo Negara had received an additional RM5 million through these initiatives, showing the collective commitment towards wildlife conservation.
“We are grateful to the big companies in our country for giving a lot of support through CSR, for the success of conservation and also general control at the National Zoo,” Anwar expressed during his speech.
With a total of RM10 million now available for Zoo Negara, plans are underway to ensure effective management and development. Anwar mentioned the collaboration with the Menteri Besar of Selangor and the government to work closely with the Zoo Negara foundation committee. The aim is to improve planning and execute impactful projects that will benefit both the wildlife and visitors of Malaysia's cherished national zoo.
As discussions unfold regarding the extended stay of the giant pandas and with substantial funding secured for Zoo Negara's growth, there's a sense of renewed hope for the future of wildlife conservation in Malaysia. These efforts underscore the nation's commitment to preserving its natural heritage and fostering a sustainable environment for generations to come.
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