THE giant panda bears in Zoo Negara are really living it up.
The latest report by the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry said the cost of their maintenance will amount to RM151 million by 2024. More than RM30.2 million has been spent on their upkeep since their arrival in 2014.
The giant pandas are housed in a 1.6ha air-conditioned complex at the National Zoo. The total cost of maintenance is around RM60,000 a month. All the expenses are borne by the zoo.
The birth of the panda cub last year set a world record by being the first pair to naturally reproduce within 15 months in captivity.
Malaysia is among two or three countries where the giant pandas loaned from China have reproduced successfully in captivity.
We are proud and joyous that we have achieved this milestone. It was reported some time back that Malaysia has to pay China US$600,000 (RM2.54 million) as a gift for the panda cub after 12 months, and this cash gift applies to other panda cubs born here. How is the zoo able to manage the costly panda bears?
It has more than hundreds of other animals that need to be fed and their enclosures looked after. Hopefully, the health, welfare and maintenance of the other animals in the zoo are not being compromised. Hopefully, the terms and conditions in the panda bear agreement which are not favourable to Malaysia can be reviewed.
SAMUEL YESUIAH,
Seremban, Negri Sembilan