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Published: Monday June 11, 2012 MYT 7:11:00 PM

China to loan two pandas to Malaysia for 10 years


PUTRAJAYA: China will loan two pandas to Malaysia as part of a collaboration between the China Wildlife Conservation Association and the Malaysian government, said the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry in a statement.

The pandas, to be on loan for 10 years, mark the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relationship between both countries in 2014.

Bilateral relations between Malaysia and China started during the tenure of late Prime Minister Tun Abdul Razak.

The ministry said the close relationship has enabled Malaysia to attract more foreign investment from China to boost the country's economy further.

The cooperation would enable Malaysia to conduct conservation research on the giant panda, it said.

The ministry added that the presence of the pandas would promote public awareness on panda conservation undertaken by China. This will encourage the public to appreciate and learn the importance of biodiversity and wildlife conservation in Malaysia.

A nationwide contest to name the pandas would be held to spur interest among the Malaysians to learn more about this unique animal.

The pair will be placed in a special exhibit in Taman Wetland, Putrajaya.

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