KUALA LUMPUR – The Dewan Rakyat today was told that the Energy and Natural Resources Ministry will meet Zoo Negara’s management as part of a new plan to help zoos affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Its minister, Datuk Shamsul Anuar Nasarah, who is also a Barisan Nasional MP, said his party will meet with Zoo Negara’s management tomorrow to discuss its problems.
“To ensure that all zoos in the country remain in good condition, the government is drafting a new formula to help them.
“Tomorrow, we will meet with Zoo Negara to deal with the issue.”
He said zoos in the country operate as business entities, not government-owned, and that his ministry is responsible only for licensing.
Previously, Zoo Negara reportedly faced a severe financial crisis due to the third wave of Covid-19.
The zoo said its emergency funds will last for only about three months.
Meanwhile, Shamsul said the government will repatriate panda cub Yi Yi as soon as possible, after the delivery process was delayed in April.
“According to the agreement with China, the 2-year-old panda was supposed to return home in April, but the panda conservation centre in China was closed due to Covid-19.
“However, I guarantee the cub will be sent home as soon as possible.”
The Malaysian Animal Association is reportedly urging the government to return three pandas to China as they are burdening Zoo Negara.
In 2014, Malaysia received two giant pandas, Xing Xing and Liang Liang, from China to celebrate the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
The pair had their first cub, Nuan Nuan, in August 2015, who was sent back to China in November 2017 as part of the agreement's condition.
Yi Yi was born in January 2018 and is still under the care of Zoo Negara. – The Vibes, December 2, 2020
