KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 14): In just two years, the two giant pandas that came to Malaysian shores on loan from China cost Malaysia RM30.21 million in expenses, according to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.

Of the total, RM25.45 million came from government allocation, while the remainder RM4.76 million was borne by Zoo Negara.

The sum was to implement the Malaysia–China Giant Panda International Conservation Agreement in Zoo Negara for the years 2014–2016, said the ministry in a written response to Simpang Renggam member of Parliament Datuk Liang Teck Meng.

"The agreement was signed between the Malaysia government and China Wildlife Conservation Association for a 10-year period expiring on May 20, 2024. The decision to extend or send this pair of giant pandas back to China will be decided by the Cabinet at a later date," said the ministry.

The two giant pandas, Xing Xing and Liang Liang, were loaned to Malaysia for 10 years since 2014. They arrived on May 21, 2014, and have been housed at Zoo Negara since.

Liang, in his query last Wednesday (Nov 9), had asked the ministry to state how much has been spent in housing the giant pandas and the government's plan when its plan to upkeep the pandas comes to an end.