Anwar Announces Additional RM5 Million Allocation for National Zoo Operations and Maintenance

In view of the outstanding performance of the National Zoo as a tourist attraction and environmental education center, the government has approved an additional allocation of RM5 million to cover the zoo's operational and maintenance expenses this year.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar said that the RM5 million allocation announced last year will be used to provide additional facilities and strengthen supervision, in line with the role the National Zoo plays in raising environmental awareness among visitors, especially students.

"During my last visit, I announced an allocation of RM5 million for improving the facilities and management of the National Zoo, because the zoo has demonstrated excellence as a tourist attraction and a destination for student visits, playing a key role in nurturing environmental awareness."

"This year, I have approved another RM5 million for the zoo’s operations and maintenance."

He said this to journalists on Saturday (January 10) after officiating the public debut ceremony of Malaysia’s newest panda pair, "Chen Xing" and "Xiaoyue".

Anwar expressed his gratitude to the Chinese government for loaning the panda pair, stating that they are not only an important tourism asset attracting local and international visitors but also a symbol of bilateral cooperation in nature conservation.

"I'd like to take this opportunity, through the Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia, to thank President Xi Jinping and the Chinese government for making this significant contribution that has greatly attracted both domestic and foreign tourists."

The Prime Minister also thanked the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability, as well as all the experienced team members involved in panda care.

"It makes us proud of our capabilities."

Anwar also joked, "I heard earlier that this panda pair is very picky—not only do they like bamboo, but they only accept bamboo from Linmou. The zoo tried bamboo from various places including Padang Pauh, but none were accepted except for those from Linmou."

In response to media queries, he said that discussions were underway with the Selangor state government to determine whether it would be suitable to expand the zoo within its current grounds, taking into account pressures from surrounding development and environmental considerations.

He said the government is aware of some NGOs’ concerns regarding the land reserved for the National Zoo since 1963, including its relevance to future expansion and commitments related to the panda conservation project.

"For now, there are no particular concerns. There is still room for expansion within the grounds. We have discussed with the state government whether it is wise to expand within the current premises. These are matters we need to decide first."

"This area has become rather crowded due to large-scale residential developments around it, so we are carefully considering the situation. However, it is a good thing that there is reserved land."

Anwar said, we do not necessarily need to utilize every inch of land; instead, we should protect the "green lung" of this area, and the government is very strict on this matter.

He thanked the Selangor state government for ensuring that the green lung zone has not been overdeveloped, especially in and around the zoo area, which must be protected for environmental reasons.