Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia has extended its cooperation with China on the giant panda conservation programme, allowing the pandas to remain at Zoo Negara, said Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad. He noted that the Cabinet has already approved the extension, which underscores the government’s ongoing support for the initiative. This collaboration serves as a symbol of the strong diplomatic ties between Malaysia and China.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, any offspring born to the pandas will be returned to China under the terms of the agreement. “It is a symbol of friendship between Malaysia and China. It attracts visitors to Zoo Negara, which is why the government has been supportive of the initiative,” Nik Nazmi expressed to reporters after attending the Concorde Club meeting at Wisma Bernama.
The giant pandas, Fu Wa and Feng Yi, were lent to Malaysia by China on May 21, 2014. They have since become parents to three cubs: Nuan Nuan, born on August 18, 2015; Yi Yi, born on January 14, 2018; and Sheng Yi, born on May 30, 2021. The Concorde Club, led by Bernama chairman Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai, is an informal group of local and foreign journalists that regularly meets with Cabinet Ministers and policymakers. Also in attendance was Bernama editor-in-chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj.
In addition to the panda programme, Nik Nazmi discussed Malaysia’s progress on recycling. He projected that the country’s recycling rate would reach 40 per cent by the end of the year, up from the current 35 per cent. He emphasized the need for improvement, particularly in recycling plastics, to meet industry demands and align with global standards.
Regarding weather forecasting, Nik Nazmi highlighted the government’s efforts to enhance accuracy by employing advanced computer systems and artificial intelligence (AI) technology. Currently, forecasts extend up to seven days, but the aim is to increase this to 14 days with AI integration. “Hopefully, this will help us better adapt to the ongoing changes brought about by climate change. However, it remains a very dynamic issue,” he added.