PETALING JAYA: As Malaysia prepares to welcome a new pair of giant pandas this week, excitement is building up among panda fans, some of whom are planning group trips to greet the latest ambassadors of China-Malaysia friendship.
For freelancer Chin Lee Peng, the news brought instant joy.
"I'm really happy to hear they're coming. Even though the public won't be able to witness their arrival, we're already planning how to welcome them."
Chin, 56, and a friend of hers are planning a visit to Zoo Negara as soon as the new pandas are cleared for public viewing.
Deputy Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Datuk Seri Huang Tiong Sii told the Dewan Rakyat last Thursday that Malaysia will get a new pair of giant pandas this month.
Malaysia's long-standing panda loan programme with China was renewed under a 10-year agreement signed on April 16 during Chinese President Xi Jinping's state visit to Malaysia.
The first pair of pandas, Xing Xing and Liang Liang, arrived in Malaysia in 2014 to mark 40 years of diplomatic relations.
During their 11-year stay, they became star attractions at Zoo Negara and produced three cubs - Nuan Nuan, the first-born in 2015, followed by Yi Yi (2018) and Sheng Yi (2021).
All three cubs have since been returned to China in accordance with the agreement.
Chin said pandas are more than just adorable animals as they have been a source of comfort during some of the lowest points in her life.
"Following the lives of the pandas that once lived in Malaysia gives me comfort and makes my days feel more meaningful."
Her devotion has also taken her to China. She has made two trips to visit Malaysia-born pandas now living in Chinese conservation centres.
The first trip in May was to visit Yi Yi in Dujiangyan Panda Base, Sichuan province, though she was unable to see Sheng Yi, who was not exhibited at the time.
Then in August, she travelled to Ziqing Lake Wildlife Zoo in Nanjing to celebrate the birthday of Nuan Nuan.
Chin hopes to return to China next year to see all of Malaysia's panda-born cubs together, but for now, she is eagerly awaiting the arrival of the pandas at Zoo Negara.
"I think I'll be going to the zoo quite often once they are on display."
As for housewife Amy Lim, she said she has been looking forward to the new arrivals as well.
She first became fascinated with pandas during the Covid-19 pandemic when she was alone in Kuala Lumpur while her family remained in Penang.
"One day, panda videos popped up on my social media feed. Their chubby black-and-white faces were so cute and really lifted my spirits," she recalled.
Lim, 45, has now persuaded her friends to join her on a visit to Zoo Negara once the new pair is exhibited.
Earlier this year, she attended the farewell gathering for Xing Xing and Liang Liang.
For 23-year-old student Mila Aina, her fondness for pandas began after a visit to Zoo Negara last year.
Since then, she has dreamt of travelling to China to visit a panda conservation base.
"I heard pandas have huge fan communities in China. I hope I can go there one day, but for now, I'll be happy just to see the new pair at Zoo Negara."