KUCHING: A total of 22,830 entries has been submitted to Natural Resources and Environment Ministry for the ‘Giant Panda Cub Naming Competition’.
Its Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said the competition, which ended on Thursday, was well received by the public.
He said among the names submitted were Mei Mei, Ying Ying, Xiang Xiang, Yuan Yuan, Zi Yan and Zhen Zhen.
“We received more than 20,000 entries and it was an overwhelming response from the public. The result will be announced in February at the National Zoo, in conjunction with the Chinese New Year celebration,” he said.
Wan Junaidi said the competition was one of the government's efforts to promote wildlife conservation and encourage the public to love and appreciate wildlife.
He said the winner will bring home a new Perodua Myvi worth RM50, 000.
“Winners who guess the names according to the terms of the competition will bring back two motorcycles, Demak Rino and Demak DJ 90. Five consolation winders will receive 41 inch plasma TV and a cash prize of RM 2,000,” he added.
Giant panda Liang Liang gave birth to a female cub, first cub to be born naturally on Aug 18. The cub’s parents arrived in the country last year to mark 40 years of diplomatic ties between Malaysia and China.