KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia will be loaned a new pair of giant pandas from China under a fresh 10-year conservation agreement, reaffirming the close and long-standing ties between the two nations.
Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad announces the new arrangement today on his official Instagram account following yesterday’s ceremony marking the signing of the renewed Giant Panda Conservation International Cooperation Agreement with Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia, Ouyang Yujing.
The exchange took place in conjunction with Chinese President Xi Jinping’s three-day state visit to Malaysia – his first return in 12 years – and was witnessed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and President Xi himself.
“This agreement will see Malaysia receive a new pair of giant pandas for the next 10 years,” Nik Nazmi said.
“Giant pandas are not only iconic species but also powerful symbols of the enduring friendship between Malaysia and China. We remain committed to conservation efforts and enhancing scientific cooperation between both countries.”
The new agreement is among 31 memoranda of understanding (MoUs) signed between Malaysia and China during Xi’s visit, covering a wide spectrum of cooperation from trade and technology to culture, education and environmental sustainability.
President Xi’s visit – which marks 50 years of diplomatic ties between Malaysia and China – underscored the growing strategic partnership between both countries. In a bilateral meeting with Anwar, Xi pledged to further elevate China-Malaysia relations and foster a “shared future community.”
The upcoming panda loan follows the extension of the current arrangement involving Fu Wa and Feng Yi, the panda pair loaned to Zoo Negara in 2014. Their presence has been a major attraction and a symbol of bilateral goodwill over the past decade. – April 17, 2025