NGO up in arms over RM20mil panda loan plan
Environmental NGO Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM) has raised vigorous objection to the loan of panda cubs from China, on the grounds that the animals' welfare is at risk.
Environmental NGO Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM) has raised vigorous objection to the loan of panda cubs from China, on the grounds that the animals' welfare is at risk.
In addition, SAM president SM Mohd Idris said the cost of the pandas' upkeep over the 10-year loan period could have been better spent on the welfare of Malaysia's existing zoo animals and anti-poaching efforts.
"A panda has a very poor reproductive performance in captivity. As the agent of diplomacy, giant pandas are forced to adapt to various climates, foods and natural environments while they could have enjoyed their normal life in Sichuan province, China," he said in a statement yesterday.
Idris (
left
) argued that the move has little to do with education or conservation, but was instead aimed at attracting tourist dollars.
"If Malaysia is strongly committed towards China's effort at increasing the number of endangered giant panda then it should be asking the public to donate to schemes that protect them in their native habitats, not bring them here," he said.
The ‘ panda diplomacy ' deal was announced on Monday and an agreement is due to be inked tomorrow, which the Environment Ministry said shows Malaysia's commitment to boosting panda numbers.
English daily The Star quoted the Chinese media as saying in April that the pandas would cost RM20 million in upkeep, and a competition would be held to name the rare animals.
This is expected to cover the construction of air-conditioned sanctuaries, import of bamboos from China for their meals, and training for local handlers.
"The public may not be aware that the ‘rent a panda deal' and short term loans of giant pandas to Malaysia usually entail large investments for both governments where the Chinese government may receive up to a million dollars per panda," Idris said.
Giant pandas are listed International Union for Conservation of Nature's (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species, with only about 1,600 individuals in the wild with a steadily declining population.
The animal is also considered a national treasure in China.
