The pandas arrived here on May 21, 2014, under the terms of the International Giant Panda Conservation Cooperation Project.

The momentous send-off held at the Animal Hotel, KLIA was attended by natural resources and environmental sustainability minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, ministry secretary-general Ching Too Kim, and representatives from the Chinese embassy.

In a statement, the ministry said the collaboration stands as a symbol of the close friendship between Malaysia and China, and reflects their shared commitment to sustainability.

“Therefore, Malaysia will continue to be committed to working with China in the conservation of the giant panda species and this collaboration is hoped to further strengthen the relationship between Malaysia and China, both diplomatically and economically,” it said.

It 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, and Yi Yi and Sheng Yi followed on Aug 29, 2023.

The ministry said the conservation partnership is set to continue through a new agreement signed on April 16, during Chinese president Xi Jinping’s official visit 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,” it said.