Latest news with #ChewChertFong
The Star
21-05-2025
- Health
- The Star
202 male cats neutered in 24 hours: CSR effort in Melaka sets Malaysian record
MELAKA: A cat neutering initiative here has earned a place in the Malaysia Book of Records (MBOR) after successfully neutering 202 male cats within a 24-hour period. The corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme was made possible by Cat Supermarket in Paya Rumput here. Its managing director Datuk Chew Chert Fong, said the CSR initiative was aimed at controlling the stray cat population and ease the financial burden faced by animal shelters. "This is a crucial step towards reducing the number of stray cats we often see at eateries and along the streets. "The neutering service was given free of charge," he said after the MBOR recognition ceremony that was officiated by Melaka Legislative Assembly Speaker Kerk Chee Yee on Tuesday (May 20). Chew said the initiative also helps lessen the burden on cat rescuers and animal shelters in covering neutering costs, while making it easier for these cats to be adopted. Meanwhile, Dr Juliyana Abu Sari, who led the veterinary team, said the procedures were carried out in phases following health screenings that began two weeks prior. 'After the screenings, a total of 202 cats were successfully neutered within 24 hours by a team of five veterinarians and seven surgical assistants. "Of the cats involved, 60 were from three animal shelters, while the rest were rescued strays and owned pets," she said. Dr Juliyana noted that her team strongly supports neutering initiatives, especially in light of the growing stray population and the increasing number of animals housed in shelters, a trend that has worsened since the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Star
30-04-2025
- Health
- The Star
Purr-fect plan to tackle stray cat population
Getting ready: Workers at the clinic preparing for the mass neutering of male cats on May 20. MELAKA: A locally founded pet supply store here is making waves with an ambitious initiative aimed at tackling the state's growing stray cat population. Cat Supermarket, under the stewardship of its proprietor Datuk Chew Chert Fong, is offering 200 free neutering slots for male cats. 'The record-breaking effort and the first campaign of its kind in the state is being organised by our subsidiary Cat Specialist Medical Centre Sdn Bhd (CSMC). 'This initiative isn't just about setting a record with the Malaysia Book of Records but also to manage the feral cat population and promote responsible pet ownership among the locals,' he said in an interview. Chew said the mass neutering project will be held at a CSMC clinic next to the Cat Supermarket outlet in Paya Rumput on May 20. He also hopes to collaborate with the Melaka Historic City Council (MBMB) and plans to invite Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh to witness the event. 'The project will be also extended to my other branches in Selangor and Melaka in the future,' he said. Chew also said the programme would be open to locals and animal shelters with 10 veterinarians on-site to perform the procedures. 'The initiative seeks not only to help control overpopulation but to improve the overall health and well-being of cats in the area,' he added. Chew noted that stray cats often fall victim to abuse, disease, starvation, traffic accidents and uncontrolled breeding. 'Some pet owners will abandon their cats in public parks, hoping other people will take care of them. 'It's an unfortunate reality and neutering can address many of these issues,' he said. Chew noted that based on research, neutering helps prevent testicular cancer and reduces the risk of prostate issues in male cats. 'Spaying females, likewise, helps prevent uterine infections. 'Beyond that, neutered cats are less prone to fighting, spraying urine and transmitting infectious diseases like feline immunodeficiency and feline leukemia viruses,' he said. Chew added that neutered cats often enjoy longer and healthier lives, benefiting not just individual animals but the wider community. 'In short, neutering offers tremendous health and behavioural benefits,' he said.
