Malaysia's plan to send orangutans to zoos in China as a form of diplomacy has drawn criticism from conservationists and animal welfare groups. The scheme, which was announced in 2019, involves sending 10 orangutans to zoos in China over the next five years.

Critics of the scheme argue that it will endanger the already endangered orangutan population. Orangutans are a critically endangered species, with only about 14,000 left in the wild. Sending them to zoos in China, where they will be kept in captivity, could increase the risk of disease and injury.

In addition, critics argue that the scheme is a form of animal exploitation. Orangutans are highly intelligent animals, and they deserve to live in their natural habitat. Sending them to zoos for the purpose of entertainment is cruel and unnecessary.

The Malaysian government has defended the scheme, arguing that it will help to raise awareness of orangutans and their conservation. However, critics say that there are more effective ways to raise awareness of orangutans without sending them to zoos.

The scheme has also been criticized by the Chinese public. Many Chinese people are opposed to the idea of keeping animals in captivity, and they believe that the scheme is cruel and unnecessary.

The Malaysian government is facing increasing pressure to cancel the scheme. If it does not, it is likely to face further criticism from conservationists, animal welfare groups, and the Chinese public.

Here are some of the specific criticisms that have been leveled against Malaysia's orangutan diplomacy scheme:

* Endangers orangutans: Sending orangutans to zoos in China will increase the risk of disease and injury. Orangutans are highly susceptible to respiratory infections, and they can easily become stressed in captivity.

* Animal exploitation: Orangutans are highly intelligent animals, and they deserve to live in their natural habitat. Sending them to zoos for the purpose of entertainment is cruel and unnecessary.

* Raises awareness in the wrong way: The scheme will not effectively raise awareness of orangutans and their conservation. There are more effective ways to raise awareness without sending orangutans to zoos.

* Opposed by the Chinese public: Many Chinese people are opposed to the idea of keeping animals in captivity, and they believe that the scheme is cruel and unnecessary.

The Malaysian government is facing increasing pressure to cancel the scheme. If it does not, it is likely to face further criticism from conservationists, animal welfare groups, and the Chinese public.