Pandas finally arrive in Malaysia after being delayed by MH370 controversy

Two giant pandas arrived in Malaysia from Chengdu today, marking the 40th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and Malaysia.

The gesture of goodwill was made despite tensions over the missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370. Representatives from both countries insisted bilateral relations remain friendly.

The pandas were initially due to arrive in Malaysia on April 16 but a member of staff from the Chinese embassy in Kuala Lumpur said their arrival was delayed as a mark of respect for the passengers and grieving families aboard the missing aircraft.

The eight-year-old pandas, female Feng Yi (“Phoenix”) and male Fu Wa (“Lucky”), arrived in Kuala Lumpur to an honour guard of water cannon, after a flight from Chengdu in southwestern China where they were bred.

Feng Yi was briefly shown to the media before being whisked off to the national zoo with her prospective mate.

She initially retreated into her cage when exposed to daylight and the clatter of camera shutters, before gaining courage and curiously peering between the bars.