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Malaysia Sun
19-05-2025
- General
- Malaysia Sun
CHINA-SICHUAN-YA'AN-RETURNED GIANT PANDAS FROM MALAYSIA (CN)
Xinhua 19 May 2025, 13:45 GMT+10 (250519) -- CHENGDU, May 19, 2025 (Xinhua) -- Staff members greet giant pandas Xing Xing and Liang Liang upon their arrival at the China Conservation and Research Centre for the Giant Panda in Bifengxia of Ya'an, southwest China's Sichuan Province, May 18, 2025. Giant panda pair Xing Xing and Liang Liang, who returned to China on Sunday after their 11-year stay in Malaysia, arrived at the China Conservation and Research Centre for the Giant Panda in Bifengxia of Ya'an, and will be quarantined there for at least 30 days. The iconic giant panda pair, domestically known as Fu Wa and Feng Yi, were loaned to the Malaysian government in 2014 for 10 years to mark the 40th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Malaysia and China. (Photo by Li Chuanyou/Xinhua)
The Star
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
A beary emotional goodbye
KUALA LUMPUR: Emotions ran high as some 40 panda enthusiasts gathered at Zoo Negara in the early hours to bid farewell to giant panda pair, Fu Wa and Feng Yi. By 5am, 'loyal fans', some of whom travelled from other states, were already waiting patiently at the zoo's gates, hoping for one last glimpse of the pandas before they left for China via the KL International Airport yesterday. At 7.15am, the convoy carrying the pandas rolled out of Zoo Negara. As the vehicles passed, tearful fans waved, snapped photos and livestreamed the moment, with some calling out 'Goodbye Fu Wa and Feng Yi' through choked voices. The two pandas arrived in Malaysia on May 21, 2014, under China's panda loan programme – a symbol of goodwill marking 40 years of diplomatic ties between Malaysia and China. Once settled at Zoo Negara, they were renamed – Fu Wa became Xing Xing (prosperity) and Feng Yi became Liang Liang (pretty). Zoo Negara deputy president Datuk Rosly @ Rahmat Ahmat Lana said panda caretaker Mohd Saiffullah Md Yusuf accompanied the pandas to China and would remain there for several days to help them settle in. 'I truly appreciate the fans coming. Even though this wasn't an official farewell, their presence was huge,' he told reporters after the pandas were sent off to KLIA. Among the early risers was 56-year-old Chin Lee Peng, who arrived at 5am with seven friends. Not content with just seeing them off at the zoo, she also wanted to head to the airport to wave a final goodbye. 'Since I heard the pandas would be leaving, I've been visiting the zoo every weekend. 'I'm sad but I take comfort knowing that they are returning to their homeland. 'I wish them a healthy and happy life,' she added. Chin said she plans to visit the China Conservation and Research Centre for the Giant Panda in Wolong next week to catch a glimpse of Yi Yi – the second panda born in Malaysia which was sent back to China and made her public debut this month. For 27-year-old Lily Atikah, who arrived at 5.30am, the morning was filled with bittersweet feelings. 'I'm sad to see them go, but I fully support Malaysia welcoming another panda pair. 'This collaboration with China on conservation is important. 'Not everyone can afford to travel to China, but when they're here, we get to visit them often. 'I'm really looking forward to meeting the new pandas,' she added. Mazni Zainudin, 39, said she was already heartbroken last year when cubs Sheng Yi and Yi Yi left. 'Now it's their parents' turn to go ... It's so emotional. 'If I ever get the chance to visit them in China, I'll be overjoyed. 'I've been following updates on Chinese social media, and I was so happy to learn Yi Yi has finally been exhibited to the public,' she said. Mazni first fell in love with pandas, thanks to the animated film Kung Fu Panda. 'Then Malaysia actually received real pandas – what a dream come true! It's more than just animals – it's a symbol of our enduring friendship with China,' she added. Goh Leang Leang, 54, has been following the pandas closely since 2022. She arrived alone at 5.30am after driving from home without informing anyone. Goh, who will travel to Chengdu and Chongqing next March, said the entire nine-day trip would be dedicated to visiting pandas. 'This will be my second panda tour,' she said, adding that she especially wanted to visit Nuan Nuan, the first panda born in Malaysia, which now lives in Nanjing. Shaira Ali, 41, shared a heartfelt tribute, saying that pandas had brought colour and comfort into her life. 'They filled the empty spaces in my heart with happiness, sketched smiles across my face when I needed them most, and were like silent therapists during my darkest days,' she said. She added that she would continue following Zoo Negara's updates, holding onto hope for the arrival of a new panda pair. During their time in Malaysia, Fu Wa and Feng Yi started a family, producing three cubs – Nuan Nuan, born on Aug 18, 2015; Yi Yi on Jan 14, 2018; and Sheng Yi, on May 31, 2021. Later, the momentous send-off held at the Animal Hotel of KLIA was attended by Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, ministry secretary-general Datuk Dr Ching Too Kim and representatives from the Chinese Embassy. The pandas departed at 11.28am, headed to Chengdu, via a cargo aircraft. In a statement, the ministry said Malaysia would continue its collaboration with China under a new agreement signed on April 16 during the state visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Malaysia. Under the agreement, Malaysia will receive a new pair of giant pandas for a 10-year period from 2025 to 2035.
The Sun
18-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Malaysia bids farewell to giant pandas Fu Wa, Feng Yi after 10-year stay
SEPANG: 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. In a statement, NRES said 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. 'Therefore, Malaysia will continue to be committed to working with the People's Republic of China (PRC) in the conservation of the Giant Panda species and this collaboration is hoped to further strengthen the relationship between Malaysia and the PRC, diplomatically and economically,' NRES stated. NRES said Malaysia has recorded extraordinary success in its ex-situ conservation efforts, including the birth of three panda cubs from the pair during their time here. All three panda cubs — Nuan Nuan, Yi Yi, and Sheng Yi — have since been returned to China in accordance with the agreement. Nuan Nuan was repatriated on Nov 14, 2017, while Yi Yi and Sheng Yi followed on Aug 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. Their arrival is expected later this year,' the ministry said.
The Sun
18-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Malaysia bids farewell to Fu Wa, Feng Yi after 10-year stay
SEPANG: 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. In a statement, NRES said 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. 'Therefore, Malaysia will continue to be committed to working with the People's Republic of China (PRC) in the conservation of the Giant Panda species and this collaboration is hoped to further strengthen the relationship between Malaysia and the PRC, diplomatically and economically,' NRES stated. NRES said Malaysia has recorded extraordinary success in its ex-situ conservation efforts, including the birth of three panda cubs from the pair during their time here. All three panda cubs — Nuan Nuan, Yi Yi, and Sheng Yi — have since been returned to China in accordance with the agreement. Nuan Nuan was repatriated on Nov 14, 2017, while Yi Yi and Sheng Yi followed on Aug 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. Their arrival is expected later this year,' the ministry said.
Straits Times
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
Fans in Malaysia gather at Zoo Negara to bid an emotional farewell to two beloved pandas
Fans in Malaysia are seen gathering at Zoo Negara to bid an emotional farewell to two beloved pandas. PHOTO: THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK Fans in Malaysia gather at Zoo Negara to bid an emotional farewell to two beloved pandas KUALA LUMPUR - Around 40 panda lovers gathered at Zoo Negara in the early hours of May 18 to bid a heartfelt farewell to Fu Wa (Xing Xing) and Feng Yi (Liang Liang), who are returning to China after spending 11 years in Malaysia. At about 7.15am, the vehicles carrying Fu Wa and Feng Yi rolled out of Zoo Negara, which is in Selangor . Emotions ran high as fans waved, livestreamed the moment, and captured photos and videos. Many were heard calling out, 'Goodbye Fu Wa and Feng Yi!' Their journey began as part of China's panda loan programme, a goodwill gesture to countries with strong diplomatic ties. The pair arrived at Zoo Negara to mark the 40th anniversary of Malaysia-China relations. Once settled in, they received new names: Fu Wa became Xing Xing, meaning prosperity, while Feng Yi was renamed Liang Liang, meaning pretty. Zoo Negara Deputy President Datuk Rosly @ Rahmat Ahmat Lana said panda caretaker Mohd Saiffullah Md Yusuf would accompany the pandas to China and stay for a few days to help them settle in. 'The pandas are in good health. We've always supported the panda conservation programme. I truly appreciate the fans who came. Even though it's not an official farewell, their presence shows how much they care,' he said. One of the fans, Ms Chin Lee Peng , 56, arrived at Zoo Negara at 5am with seven friends. After seeing the pandas off, she planned to head to a location near the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) to catch a glimpse of their plane taking off. Ever since she heard the pandas would be leaving and undergoing a one-month quarantine, she had been visiting the zoo every weekend to say her final goodbyes. 'My emotions have calmed down a bit now, but of course I still feel sad. 'China is their home and where they belong, so I just hope they live out the rest of their lives in good health and happiness,' she added. Ms Chin also shared her hopes that another panda pair would be sent to Malaysia in the future. In the meantime, she has already made plans to visit the China Conservation and Research Centre for the Giant Panda in Wolong (in Sichuan province) next week, to see Sheng Yi - Malaysia's third panda cub - who turns four on May 31. Another panda enthusiast, Ms Lily Atikah, 27, said she arrived at the zoo at 5.30am. Like many others, her heart was filled with sorrow over the pandas' departure. 'I really hope Malaysia will receive another panda pair,' she said. 'This programme is a beautiful example of conservation cooperation between Malaysia and China. 'Of course, going to China to see them would depend on my finances, but if we have pandas here in Zoo Negara, we can visit anytime. I'm definitely looking forward to welcoming new ones,' she added. During their time in Malaysia, Fu Wa and Feng Yi started a family, producing three cubs: Nuan Nuan, born on Aug 18, 2015; Yi Yi, on Jan 14, 2018; and Sheng Yi, on May 31, 2021. Interestingly, May 31 is also the anniversary of Malaysia-China diplomatic relations. The Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry announced that a new agreement was signed on April 16 during the Chinese President's state visit to Malaysia. The collaboration allows Malaysia to host another pair of giant pandas from 2025 to 2035, continuing the longstanding International Cooperation Project on Giant Panda Conservation with China. Malaysia is preparing to receive a new panda pair in August 2025, following the departure of Fu Wa and Feng Yi. This is part of a new 10-year agreement between Malaysia and China under the International Cooperation Project on Giant Panda Conservation. THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
