To commemorate the 40th anniversary of establishment Malaysia-China diplomatic relations, China has loaned two endangered baby pandas to Malaysia for 10 years as “ambassadors of peace and goodwill`”.

In the agreement of the ‘panda diplomacy’ signed on June 15, the government has authorized the expense of RM20 million on the importing of the pandas that will be placed at the Wetland Park at Putrajaya, due to the location being the country’s administrative center.

Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen had said that the two pandas could boost the tourism industry as it will attract more foreign visitors, where she expects an influx of tourists from countries like Indonesia and Singapore.

However, response from the public has not been so positive with certain parties raising concern over the expense spent in the action of diplomatic ties as well as the pandas’ wellbeing in this country. As said by the CEO of Nature Alert Sean Whyte, “It beggars belief how the government has sanctioned the expense of RM20 million on importing two pandas at a time when zoos and animal parks throughout Malaysia suffer from neglect – and not just from their owners.”

In line with the statement above, the president of NGO Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM), SM Mohd Idris stated that “A panda has a very poor reproductive performance in captivity. As the agent of diplomacy, giant pandas are forced to adapt to various climates, foods and natural environments while they could have enjoyed their normal life in Sichuan province, China.”

SM Mohd Idris argued further that the move was aimed at attracting tourists and has little to do with education or conservation.

Reports on the issue stated that, apart from strengthening diplomatic ties, where China would only loan the endangered species to privileged countries, the pair of furry ‘ambassadors’ is also for the purpose of promoting awareness amongst Malaysians on panda conservation in China.

Malaysian Digest will be getting further comments from the Tourism Ministry on the significance of the pandas in terms of tourism and business as well as the action to be taken to ensure the future wellbeing of the pandas.

- mD