Kuala Lumpur: Giant pandas Fu Wa and Feng Yi were officially sent home to China today, concluding their stay in Malaysia since May 21, 2014, under the terms of the International Giant Panda Conservation Cooperation Project. The momentous send-off held at the Animal Hotel, Kuala Lumpur International Airport was attended by Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry (NRES) secretary-general Datuk Dr Ching Too Kim, and representatives from the Chinese Embassy.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, NRES stated that the collaboration stands as a symbol of the close friendship between Malaysia and China and reflects their shared commitment to sustainability under the Malaysia MADANI agenda. The ministry emphasized Malaysia’s commitment to working with the People’s Republic of China in the conservation of the giant panda species, aiming to further strengthen the diplomatic and economic relationship between the two countries.

NRES highlighted Malaysia’s achievements in ex-situ conservation efforts, including the birth of three panda cubs from the pair during their time in the country. All three panda cubs – Nuan Nuan, Yi Yi, and Sheng Yi – have been returned to China in accordance with the agreement. Nuan Nuan was repatriated on November 14, 2017, while Yi Yi and Sheng Yi followed on August 29, 2023.

According to NRES, the conservation partnership is set to continue through a new agreement signed on April 16, during the state visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Malaysia. This renewed agreement allows Malaysia to receive another pair of giant pandas for a period of 10 years, from 2025 to 2035, with their arrival expected later this year.