THE government has approved an additional RM5 million allocation for Zoo Negara this year to support the management and maintenance of the national conservation centre, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced on Saturday.
Speaking to reporters after officiating the Giant Panda Conservation Centre at Zoo Negara, Anwar said the latest allocation builds on a similar RM5 million provided last year, which followed the zoo’s encouraging performance as a tourism and educational destination.
“I announced RM5 million last year because of Zoo Negara’s commendable performance as a tourist attraction and a destination for school visits to provide greater environmental awareness,” he said.
“This year, I have approved another RM5 million for the management and maintenance of this area.”
The Giant Panda Conservation Centre now houses a new pair of giant pandas, Chen Xing and Xiao Yue, which arrived from China on November 18 last year.
Both animals have completed their quarantine period and are reported to be adapting well, displaying normal and active behaviour.
The presence of the new pandas is part of a conservation cooperation agreement between Malaysia and China, signed during Chinese President Xi Jinping’s state visit to Malaysia on April 16, 2025. The agreement, concluded between the Department of Wildlife and National Parks of Peninsular Malaysia and the China Wildlife Conservation Association, allows Malaysia to host the pair of giant pandas for a 10-year period from 2025 to 2035.
Anwar expressed appreciation to the Chinese government for what he described as a meaningful contribution that would serve as a major draw for both domestic and international tourists.
Commenting on parcels of land within Zoo Negara that have remained undeveloped since 1963, the Prime Minister said there was no urgent need to proceed with development, as existing space was sufficient for current operational and maintenance requirements.
“This matter has been discussed with the relevant parties and a decision will be made on whether additional land use is necessary,” he said.
“Having sufficient land is an advantage. Not every inch of land needs to be developed because the green areas around the zoo must be preserved.
“The government is committed to ensuring that no development takes place in green zones, particularly within and around the zoo, to protect the environment.” - January 10, 2026
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