KUALA LUMPUR, 10 Januari — Perdana Menteri Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim hari ini mengumumkan tambahan peruntukan sebanyak RM5 juta untuk kandang beruang cina di Zoo Negara, dengan merujuk kepada prestasi yang baiknya sebagai tarikan utama pelancongan dan fungsinya dalam mempromosikan kelestarian alam.
Anwar mentioned that the funds, approved for this year, are intended to assist with maintenance tasks and improve the amenities at the zoo, similar to the RM5 million allocation announced previously.
“When I visited earlier, I pledged RM5 million to upgrade the facilities and enhance the value of Zoo Negara due to its performance, its attraction to tourists, and its role in drawing in schoolchildren,” he stated.
“This year, I have given another RM5 million for maintenance and care,” he added, making a quick joke about the currency before confirming that the allocation was in ringgit.
The prime minister was addressing the audience at Zoo Negara following a visit to the panda enclosure, where the giant pandas Chen Xing and Xiao Yue are currently open for public viewing.
He arrived with his grandchildren at about 11.30am and took a walk inside the enclosure for a closer look at the pandas.
Both pandas were observed relaxing while consuming their food, with one eventually drifting off to sleep even though there were numerous visitors around.
Chen Xing and Xiao Yue arrived in Malaysia on November 18 as part of the continuous panda collaboration initiative between Malaysia and China. After their arrival, the five-year-old pandas entered a required one-month quarantine at Zoo Negara according to standard operating procedures.
The Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister, Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup, declared yesterday that the quarantine period had ended and the area was now accessible to the public.
Kurup and Selangor’s Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari, also paid a visit to the panda enclosure.
Malaysia is among 20 nations collaborating with China in the effort to conserve and study giant pandas. As part of an agreement with the China Wildlife Conservation Association, Malaysia will welcome a new pair of giant pandas for a period of 10 years, extending until 2035.
Anwar mentioned that the arrival of the two large pandas from China aligns with the government’s Madani principles, especially environmental sustainability and coexistence with nature.
He also expressed gratitude to the Chinese government, President Xi Jinping, and their leadership for their involvement, referring to the pandas as a significant tourist draw in Malaysia.
Anwar commended the administration and animal care staff at Zoo Negara, emphasizing their knowledge in looking after the pandas, particularly in handling their very specific food requirements.
“I was informed earlier that the pandas are very selective — they don’t consume just any bamboo. They only prefer bamboo from Rembau, after testing various types from different regions,” he mentioned.
In response to inquiries regarding land sales and maintenance challenges at Zoo Negara, Anwar mentioned that talks are currently taking place with the Selangor government on the most effective ways to manage and protect the surrounding regions.
“At the moment, there is a designated area for maintenance. We are currently discussing with the state government whether specific facilities should be preserved or not,” he stated.
He emphasized that not every available land should be utilized, highlighting the significance of maintaining buffer and maintenance areas around the zoo, particularly considering the nearby major residential developments.
“The fact that we still have space for maintenance is positive. We don’t need to utilize all available land. It is important to safeguard the maintenance areas near this facility,” he stated, mentioning that the federal government is determined to stop unsuitable development inside and around zoological areas.
Anwar also expressed gratitude to the Selangor administration for preventing any unauthorized construction from occurring within designated maintenance zones, both inside the zoo premises and nearby regions.
Although recognizing progress made over the years, Anwar mentioned that issues related to maintenance and management still exist, necessitating ongoing supervision and implementation.
“I’m not claiming I am completely satisfied. There has been improvement when compared to earlier years, yet the necessity still exists,” he mentioned, highlighting that deep-rooted problems demand continuous action from regulatory bodies.