Chinese giant pandas given local names in Malaysia

Giant pandas from China are seen inside their cages after arriving at the MASkargo Complex in Sepang, outside Kuala Lumpur, May 21, 2014. [Photo/Agencies]

KUALA LUMPUR - Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak announced here Wednesday that the two giant pandas from China Fu Wa and Feng Yi were given local names of Xing Xing and Liang Liang.

Najib made the announcement in a ceremony at the Giant Panda Conservation Centre, marking the 50th anniversary of the National Zoo.

He said the pandas' new names mean "prosperity" and "pretty" respectively.

Najib said the two local names were selected from about 2,000 suggestions received during the competition organized by the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry.

The pair of giant pandas arrived in Malaysia on May 21 on a 10- year loan, coinciding with the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Malaysia.

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