Heart And Soul: Malaysians of all backgrounds unite to care for stray animals
Do you have any real-life, heart-warming stories to share with readers? We'd love to hear from you. Please keep your story within 900 words. Photos are optional and should be in JPEG format (file size about 1MB, with caption and photo credit). There is no payment for stories, and we reserve the right to edit all submissions. Email your story to: lifestyle@thestar.com.my with the subject "Heart and Soul".
In country as beautifully diverse as Malaysia, where different races, religions, and cultures intertwine, one might ask – what is the true essence of our unity? While food, sports, and national pride are often celebrated as unifying elements, an equally profound yet overlooked force is emerging – the compassionate movement to save and protect stray animals.
Across Malaysia, from city streets to rural kampungs, people of all backgrounds are uniting to rescue, foster, and care for strays – proving that compassion for animals transcends all divides.
On a Saturday in February, I visited a veterinary clinic in Shah Alam, bringing my two rescue kittens, Ainoon and Maimoon, for their first cycle of vaccination.
While waiting, I saw two brothers who had rescued four orphaned kittens – after their stray mother died, and though they planned to rehome them, their own mother had grown too attached to part with them.
An elderly couple arrived with a stray cat that had taken refuge behind their home, bearing bite marks from territorial fights. Moved by compassion, they brought it in for treatment, knowing such wounds, if left untreated, could become fatal.
About a few weeks ago, my husband and I saw a cat with a name tag, Ayu Ting Ting, roaming among the parking lots at SS13 Shah Alam. Thinking that she was lost, I approached her, hoping to find a phone number etched on the name tag.
Instead, I had the biggest laugh as the tag read her name along with a caption: 'Jangan tengok je, wetpud 1'. A Tom Yam eatery was actually looking after her. They had taken her and her kittens in and were collecting donations to neuter her and other stray cats.
Ayu Ting Ting, the stray cat that the writer came across, that is being looked after by a kind eatery in Shah Alam. — Photos: SUZIANAH NHAZZLA ISMAIL
Ayu Ting Ting had three kittens, but only one survived, and she is currently nursing three orphaned kittens.
The eatery had even prepared a special area for her to nurse them, showing how businesses can play a role in animal welfare.
Many Malaysians are taking compassionate initiative to spay and neuter strays, funding trap-neuter-release (TNR) efforts themselves or working with veterinary clinics and fundraisers to humanely curb the population.
These small acts of compassion show Malaysians are driving lasting change in animal welfare.
A powerful example of Malaysians uniting for stray animals was the protest against the tragic shooting of a friendly and beloved stray dog named Kopi, known for her gentle demeanour.
Kopi's tragic death united Malaysians in outrage, sparking calls for justice and stronger animal welfare laws. Social media became a powerful rallying point, connecting rescuers, adopters, and advocates nationwide.
Groups like 'Persatuan Penyayang Kucing Malaysia' and 'My Forever Doggo' highlight rescue stories that unite Malaysians across all backgrounds through shared compassion for animals.
Beyond individual efforts, multiethnic volunteer groups and NGOs now work together to TNR, vaccinate, and rehome strays.
These events unite Malaysians of all backgrounds in shared compassion, fostering mutual understanding through animal rescue.
Local businesses, eateries, and even religious institutions are supporting strays, encouraging kindness and contributions.
While the movement to save strays is growing, challenges remain. Stricter animal welfare laws, responsible pet ownership, and stronger enforcement against abuse are necessary to make lasting change. However, the grassroots movement driven by ordinary Malaysians shows that unity is possible through acts of kindness.
By saving a stray, we not only give an animal a second chance at life – we also build bridges between communities, fostering a Malaysia that is not just diverse but compassionate and united in action.
After all, when we look into the eyes of a stray in need, do we see race, religion, or background? No. We see a life worth saving, and that is what truly brings us together.
'Compassion for animals is intimately connected with goodness of character; and it may be confidently asserted that he who is cruel to animals cannot be a good man.' — Arthur Schopenhauer
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Sun
13 hours ago
- The Sun
Wrestling back youth
FOR many Malaysians, pro wrestling lives somewhere in the past, back when TV3 ran SmackDown reruns and finishing moves were replicated (badly) on school friends. It was dramatic, flashy and pure fantasy. But for most, it stayed behind with childhood. Until now. At Malaysia Pro Wrestling's (MYPW) New Breed 3 event in TTDI's KuAsh Theatre, something unexpected happened: the nostalgia came flooding back, but so did something new, a realisation that wrestling in Malaysia is not just alive, it is thriving. And more than that, it is homegrown, with its own stars, its own crowd and its own brand of chaos that somehow feels even more personal than anything that came from the West. Not just a show, a whole community From the moment fans began lining up outside the theatre on May 10, it was clear this was not just another niche event. The crowd was a mix of everything: university students, longtime wrestling die-hards, families with kids in matching tag-team shirts and curious first-timers hoping for some throwback fun. But once inside, the atmosphere shifted, not just excitement, but ownership. The crowd did not just show up for entertainment; they showed up for their people. Names like Emman Azman, Miles Karu, Kaizul and Poppy were met with chants and handmade signs. Everyone knew the cues. The in-jokes. The rivalries. This was not just wrestling in Malaysia. It was Malaysian wrestling and that made all the difference. Scripted? Maybe. But the hype was real Of course, the matches had all the tropes one might remember: surprise hitshots, dramatic staredowns, wipedowns taunting the crowd and underdogs making last-minute comebacks. But the real joy came in watching it all unfold with a Malaysian twist. Kaizul's dramatic rise through the Journey to Gold tournament had the audience chanting his namel. Poppy vs Lana XO had layers of both sass and skill, a crowd-pleaser of a match that balanced playful energy with real athleticism. Then there was the main event, a four-way scramble for the MYPW Southeast Asia Title, where Shivam defended against Emman Azman, Shaheen and The Statement. It was fast, messy, dramatic and loud. Fans booed and cheered like it was a football match. It was impossible not to get swept up in the energy. Safe space for loud fun What stood out most was not the action in the ring, it was the vibe in the room. Wrestling here is a space where everyone is free to be loud, silly and fully invested without judgement. The crowd knew it was scripted. They knew the villains were acting, the drama dialled up. But that did not matter. There was sincerity beneath the surface, the wrestlers clearly cared and the audience gave that energy right back. And the best part? It never felt like anyone was excluded. Whether someone came alone or in cosplay, it was clear they belonged. Even the rowdiest banter had an underlying respect, like everyone knew they were playing along with a shared fantasy. From import to identity What MYPW has built over the past decade is no small feat. Wrestling, which once felt like an imported subculture from the West, now feels distinctly Malaysian, loud, chaotic, funny, emotional and full of heart. The talent reflects this too. Emman Azman, one of the night's biggest stars, has already made international waves, ranked among the world's top 500 wrestlers and the first Malaysian to wrestle under New Japan Pro Wrestling and NWA. But watching him compete here, in front of a hometown crowd, brought his story full circle. He is no longer a dreamer hoping to make it abroad, he is part of a generation helping build something here. And he is not alone. Wrestlers like Miles Karu, The Wonderboy, Thommy Ardhi and Shivam represent a new breed (pun very much intended) of Southeast Asian talent that is not waiting to be discovered, they are already putting on shows that rival anything from overseas. Wrestling as an adult It is easy to brush wrestling off as something left behind in childhood. But stepping into that theatre proved something important, it still works and maybe even hits harder now. Not because the punches are real, but because the people are. The crowd cares. The performers care. And for a few hours, everyone in the room gets to cheer, scream, laugh and be completely present, in a way that feels increasingly rare in a world of half-watched TikToks and endless scrolling. Final bell thoughts MYPW's New Breed 3 was a reminder of how far the scene has come and how it is carving out a space in Malaysia's culture where storytelling, sportsmanship and unfiltered fun collide. It is not about who wins. It is not even about the title belts. It is about the experience, shared, loud, imperfect and unforgettable. And for anyone who grew up watching wrestling on TV and thought it was just a phase, MYPW offers proof that maybe it was not. Maybe the love for it was just waiting to be reignited, Malaysian-style.
New Straits Times
13 hours ago
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Sarimah Ibrahim: David Beckham is a real gentleman
HONG KONG: It's not every day that Malaysians encounter a global football icon, but for actress and host Che Puan Sarimah Ibrahim, a recent meeting with English football legend Sir David Beckham proved to be a memorable occasion. Sarimah, accompanied by her husband Tunku Nadzimuddin Tunku Mudzaffar and their six-year-old daughter Tunku Sofia Najihah, met Beckham at the grand opening of The Londoner hotel, an exclusive event organised by Tatler Hong Kong. Taking to Instagram to share their special moment, Sarimah expressed her gratitude and awe. "We're with the legend Sir David Beckham for the official opening of The Londoner for Tatler Hong Kong. "We were so honoured to chat with him and he was very humble and friendly, a real gentleman," she wrote in the caption accompanying her post. The photo showed Beckham, Tunku Sofia, Tunku Nadzimuddin, and Sarimah seated together, posing for the camera. Sarimah also mentioned that her daughter was utterly awestruck during the encounter. Many netizens congratulated Sarimah and her family on the magical meeting with Beckham, including singer-actor Alif Satar, who commented: "Congratulations, it's truly an honour to meet Sir David Beckham." Beckham, 50, is currently the president and co-owner of Inter Miami CF and co-owner of Salford City. He is widely regarded as one of the best football players of his generation, having amassed 19 major trophies throughout his illustrious career. Beckham, a father of four, is married to British pop singer and former Spice Girls member, Victoria Adams.
Hype Malaysia
14 hours ago
- Hype Malaysia
Only One Week Of Screening? Fans Demand Extended Cinema Run For 'Gantung: Musketeer Code'
When a new film is released in cinemas, moviegoers typically have a few weeks, sometimes up to a month, to catch it on the big screen. This window not only gives fans time to watch, but also allows the production company a chance to turn a profit. But what happens when a film's cinema run is cut short? What if it doesn't make enough money? And what about fans who were eager to watch, only to find it's no longer showing at their nearest cinema? Malaysian fans have expressed disappointment after discovering that the latest local film, 'Gantung: Musketeer Code', is no longer available in cinemas. Here's the story: Earlier this week, Golden Screen Cinemas (GSC) announced that Wednesday (11th June) would be the final day to catch 'Gantung: Musketeer Code' on the big screen, after just seven days in cinemas. This prompted netizens to plead with the company to extend the film's run, as many were occupied with Hari Raya Haji celebrations when the film first premiered. The film's director, Nadia Mohammad Hatta, also known as Nadia Khan, even took to Twitter to appeal to GSC and TGV Cinemas not to halt the screening. She argued that the film should remain in cinemas for at least two weeks, as it is protected under the 'Skim Wajib Tayang' policy. Much to her disappointment, GSC simply replied: 'Hi, this is the last day, okay?'. For those unfamiliar, 'Skim Wajib Tayang' requires that a film be screened in cinemas for a minimum of two weeks. However, screenings may be moved from a larger hall to a smaller one for various reasons, such as low audience turnout or viewership. Cinema operators are also permitted to withdraw an approved film entirely if the number of viewers falls below 15%. But even if GSC was legally within its rights to stop screening the film, many fans remain upset with the decision. Some criticised the cinema company's dismissive response to the director, while others pointed out that the film's inconvenient release date, coinciding with Hari Raya Haji, was not taken into account. Fans also accused GSC of hypocrisy, pointing out that while the company has often encouraged Malaysians to support local films, it refused to extend the cinema run of 'Gantung: Musketeer Code.' At the time of writing, GSC has yet to respond to demands. Meanwhile, TGV is still screening the film in two outlets, which are at Strand Kota Damansara and Wangsa Walk. Although very limited, at least fans will still have this chance to watch it in cinemas before it's too late! Here's the trailer for the film: Sources: Twitter (1)(2), Finas What's your Reaction? +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0
