KUALA LUMPUR: The giant pandas from China will now be known as Xing Xing and Liang Liang, Datuk Seri Najib Razak announced today.
The prime minister said the pandas, previously known as Fu Wa and Feng Yi, have been given new names to reflect their Malaysian identity.
"I am pleased to announce that the male panda has been named Xing Xing, which means prosperity, while the female panda has been named Liang Liang, which means pretty," he said while opening the giant panda complex at Zoo Negara here.
To encourage visitors, Najib said entry to the complex will be free for children, orphans from welfare homes, senior citizens, and the disabled for the first 30 days starting June 28.
The pandas are on loan in Malaysia for 10 years to mark the 40th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Malaysia and China.