KUALA LUMPUR,El Sky News – Malaysia is set to welcome a new pair of giant pandas from China in mid-November as part of a renewed 10-year loan agreement between the two nations.
In an official statement, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) confirmed that this initiative continues the strong diplomatic and wildlife conservation partnership that has existed between Malaysia and the People’s Republic of China since 2014.
The incoming pair will be housed at Zoo Negara Malaysia in Hulu Kelang, replacing the previous pandas, Xing Xing and Liang Liang, who were sent back to China earlier this year after completing their decade-long stay in Malaysia.
According to NRES, Zoo Negara has carried out comprehensive preparations for the arrival — including upgrades to the Panda Conservation Centre and retraining of animal keepers and veterinary teams.
“Malaysia is honored to continue this collaboration, which stands as a symbol of Malaysia–China friendship while supporting global efforts in conserving the giant panda a species still considered vulnerable,” said Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad during a morning press conference.
Diplomatic sources revealed that officials from the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding in Sichuan will accompany the pandas to ensure a smooth transition during their initial quarantine and adaptation period.
The partnership is also expected to enhance joint research in biotechnology, biodiversity sustainability, and veterinary expertise exchange between both countries.
Zoo Negara stated that public viewing of the new pandas will only be allowed once they have completed their adjustment and health observation phase.
The new 10-year loan agreement will remain in effect until 2035, marking another milestone in the 51-year diplomatic relationship between Malaysia and China.
