KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia will ask China to extend the stay of giant pandas Xing Xing and Liang Liang at Zoo Negara.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today said this at Zoo Negara's 60th anniversary celebration here.
"The giant pandas are due to be returned soon.
"But I'll take it up with the Chinese government, especially President Xi Jinping, to see if we can extend the pandas' stay.
"And knowing the excellent ties between the two countries, I am optimistic that they (China) will give due consideration and support to our proposal."
Present were Deputy Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Datuk Seri Huang Tiong Sii, Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari and Zoo Negara deputy president Datuk Rosly@Rahmat Amat Lana.
Also present was Chinese ambassador Ouyang Yujing.
In attendance was the prime minister's wife, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.
Anwar responded to criticism about the high cost of maintaining the pandas.
"Those who think they are 'celik pandai' (above the others) are not interested in the matter since they can afford to travel to China (and see giant pandas) there.
"But we do not pay for the pandas, only their maintenance (taking care of them).
"Many people come to here to see the pandas because not all can afford to go to China. For many Malaysians, seeing the pandas here is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
"I am aware of the cost incurred to manage the pandas. And their food is expensive.
"However, for now, we are looking at the benefits for those who come to Zoo Negara."
Xing Xing and Liang Liang were lent to Malaysia in 2014 for 10 years to mark the 40th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Malaysia and China.
The pandas have three offspring: Nuan Nuan, born in 2015; Yi Yi, born in 2018; and Sheng Yi, born in 2021.
Nuan Nuan was sent back to China in 2017.
In August, Yi Yi and Sheng Yi were sent back to China.