Latest news with #Kopi
The Star
27-05-2025
- The Star
High Court to deliver verdict on Kopi case on Aug 13
PETALING JAYA: The Kuala Terengganu High Court has thrown out an application to strike out an injunction brought by four activists against the Besut District Council and Terengganu state government. The court also set Aug 13 for the outcome of the matter. The lawyer representing the activists, Rajesh Nagarajan, said the High Court will determine whether the killing of Kopi is lawful or not. 'The High Court has directed that the parties put in their written submissions,' he said when contacted yesterday. Rajesh said the plaintiffs were relieved with the High Court's decision to dismiss the application by the defendants to strike out the lawsuit. 'This is a positive first step to obtain justice for Kopi which was murdered in cold blood,' he said. Slain pup: Kopi was a street dog who was fed and welcomed by people in the community. The plaintiffs, who filed the originating summons seeking the injunction last December are Kartini Farah Abd Rahim, S. Mukunnan, Hong Hai San and S. Shashi Kumar. On Dec 31, the state government applied to dismiss the suit, followed by the district council on Jan 1. Kartini Farah, who affirmed an affidavit in support, said residents in Besut were shaken at about 1.30am on Oct 6 by the sound of gunshots. The residents, who went out to investigate, saw three district council officers driving around in a pick-up truck. They then found Kopi dead from gunshot wounds. Kartini Farah said the council issued a statement on Oct 13, citing that the shooting of Kopi was done in accordance with the law and the standard operating procedure in handling stray dogs. A Facebook page called My Forever Doggo shared a 52-second video clip that showed Kopi died from serious injuries. Kopi went viral after one of her feeders, Abby Razali, uploaded a TikTok video of the dog playing with a kitten in March 2024.
Free Malaysia Today
27-05-2025
- Free Malaysia Today
T'ganu govt, Besut district council lose bid to strike out Kopi lawsuit
A video of Kopi playing with a stray cat went viral on social media in March last year. PETALING JAYA : The Kuala Terengganu High Court today dismissed an application by the Terengganu government and Besut district council to strike out a lawsuit brought against them by four animal activists over the allegedly unlawful killing of a stray dog. Lawyer Rajesh Nagarajan said the court dismissed the application with costs, and that the matter would be heard on its merits, with Aug 13 set for the court's decision on the lawsuit. 'This is a huge win for animal rights in Malaysia generally and a positive first step towards obtaining justice for Kopi, who was murdered in cold blood,' he told FMT. Dr Kartini Farah Abdul Rahim, S Mukunnan, Hong Hai San, and S Shashi Kumar are suing the state government and district council over the allegedly unlawful killing of Kopi, a stray dog, in October. They contend that the killing of Kopi by a council enforcement officer violated Sections 29(e) and 30(1) of the Animal Welfare Act 2015 (AWA). They want a declaration that the shooting of animals is prohibited by law unless it falls within the exceptions listed in Section 30(2) of the AWA, including that the killing is authorised by a veterinary authority, is necessary to prevent an imminent danger to human life, or is carried out to control the spread of disease. The plaintiffs are also seeking a declaration that Sections 9(1) and (2) of the Dog Licensing By-Laws (Besut District Council) 1990 infringe Sections 29(e) and 30(1) of the AWA. In March last year, a video of Kopi playing with a stray cat went viral on social media. On Oct 6, it was announced on Instagram account 'My Forever Doggo' that Kopi had been shot dead by the authorities in Besut during a stray culling operation earlier that day.
New Straits Times
20-05-2025
- New Straits Times
'Furever Friends' campaign to raise awareness on animal welfare
ANIMAL welfare in Malaysia has become an increasingly pressing issue. According to the Department of Veterinary Services, over 7,600 cases of animal abuse were reported between 2021 and 2024, with Selangor recording the highest number of incidents. Of those cases, dogs were the most abused, followed by cats, horses, rabbits, birds, and cows, in that order. There were also reports of animal abuse on exotic species, including chickens, hamsters, goats, guinea pigs, geese, fish, ducks, turtles, and snakes. In addition, there have been many troubling cases of animal abuse that sparked public outrage. This includes the tragic killing of beloved stray dog 'Kopi', the harrowing viral video of a dog being set on fire, the disturbing incident of men stuffing cats into gunny sacks in Cheras, and many other heartbreaking instances. In response to this, SAYS has launched 'Furever Friends', a campaign to raise awareness, advocate for stronger animal welfare laws and help furkids find their forever homes. Running from May 13 to July 31, the campaign is a collaboration between SAYS, JUICE, Fly FM, and Lumi News, and supported by respected animal welfare organisations including A Dog's Life, Paws Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Selangor, and Trap - Neuter - Release - Manage Malaysia (TNRM Malaysia). At the heart of the campaign is a special landing page that will host a wide range of content: There will also be a special section where animal lovers can submit photos and heartwarming stories about their pets for a chance to be featured on the site. 'Furever Friends' is more than just a campaign — it is a call to action. Whether it is rescuing an animal, spreading awareness, or simply choosing kindness, every small action helps make a difference. SAYS head of content Gowri Chitra Martin said: "The heartbreaking cases we've seen remind us why movements like 'Furever Friends' are urgently needed. Every act of kindness, no matter how small, brings us one step closer to a future where every animal feels safe, loved, and valued." "Furever Friends is about bringing people together — animal lovers, advocates, and everyday Malaysians — to drive real change. We want to push for better legislation and enforcement of animal welfare laws, particularly in terms of punishment for animal abusers. Animals should have rights too, and no one should be allowed to get away with hurting them," she added.
The Sun
19-05-2025
- General
- The Sun
Strays, love and ties that bind us
IN a 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 the nation, from bustling Kuala Lumpur to quiet kampungs, Malaysians of all backgrounds are coming together to rescue, foster and advocate for strays. This shared concern transcends ethnic and religious divides, demonstrating that kindness to animals is a universal value. Recently, I visited a veterinary clinic in Shah Alam, bringing my two rescue kittens, Ainoon and Maimoon, for their first cycle of vaccination. As I waited, I noticed two brothers, who had also brought in four kittens. Their mother cat had passed away due to heart and lung failure – a harsh reality of stray life. Feeling compelled to care for the kittens, they named them Razali and Grey, though the other two names slipped my mind. Initially, they intended to find homes for them but their mother had grown too attached to let them go. In another touching scene, an elderly couple arrived with a stray cat that had taken refuge at the back of their home. The cat bore bite marks, a sad consequence of territorial fights among unfixed male strays. If untreated, such wounds could become infested with maggots, leading to a painful death. With deep compassion, the couple brought the cat in for medical care, determined to ease its suffering. 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 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. Malaysians are also taking individual initiatives to spay and neuter stray cats and dogs. Many kind-hearted individuals have taken it upon themselves to trap, neuter and release (TNR) animals to help control the stray population humanely. Some pay for the procedures out of their own pockets, while others organise fundraising efforts or collaborate with veterinary clinics to offer discounted rates. These small yet impactful acts of compassion show that Malaysians are stepping up to create long-term solutions for animal welfare. A powerful example of Malaysians uniting for stray animals was the protest against the tragic shooting of a friendly stray dog named Kopi. Kopi had been a beloved presence in a local neighborhood, known for her gentle demeanor. When news spread that she had been cruelly killed, animal lovers across Malaysia came together in outrage. People of different backgrounds voiced their condemnation, organised vigils, and demanded justice. The movement sparked conversations on stricter animal welfare laws and brought the community closer together, showing that kindness and justice for animals are a cause that resonates deeply with Malaysians. Social media has played a pivotal role in uniting Malaysians for this cause. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram and TikTok have become rallying points for rescuers and adopters. Groups such as Persatuan Penyayang Kucing Malaysia and My Forever Doggo showcase heartwarming stories of rescued animals finding loving homes. The comment sections of such posts often reveal an outpouring of support from Malaysians of all backgrounds, proving that love for animals knows no racial or religious boundaries. Beyond individual efforts, saving strays has led to the rise of volunteer groups and NGOs dedicated to animal welfare. These organisations, often made up of multiethnic volunteers, collaborate to TNR animals, provide vaccinations, and run adoption drives. Events organised by these groups see Malaysians from different walks of life working together – whether it is a Malay woman handing over a rescued puppy to a Chinese adopter or an Indian teenager volunteering alongside an elderly uncle of another race. The shared effort fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation of one another. Local businesses and eateries are also getting involved, setting up food stations for strays and encouraging customers to contribute. Even religious institutions, traditionally cautious about animal-related initiatives, are beginning to recognise the value of kindness to all creatures. Some mosques and temples have started feeding stray cats, reinforcing the belief that compassion is a universal principle. 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, but also build bridges among 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 Comments: letters@
Free Malaysia Today
10-05-2025
- Free Malaysia Today
Over 100 in protest rally against animal cruelty
Animal lovers from across the country taking part in a peaceful protest this evening over animal cruelty and a perceived lack of enforcement. KUALA LUMPUR : More than 100 people, some representing organisations from across the country, staged a peaceful protest at Dataran Merdeka this evening against animal cruelty and a lack of enforcement against the perpetrators. The 'Execute AWA' protest, aimed at urging the authorities to enforce the Animal Welfare Act, got off to a slow start at 5pm because of the rain, but this did not dampen the spirits of the handful of people gathered. The number of participants grew steadily after the rain stopped and more than 100 were gathered by 7pm, displaying various placards, including some which read 'No Excuse for Animal Abuse', 'Animals are also Allah's creation' and 'Justice for Kopi'. Kopi was the name of a dog killed when the Besut Municipal Council in Terengganu culled strays last year, after Kopi had become an internet sensation in March 2024 when it was pictured playing with a stray cat. Several animal rights activists have since filed a suit against the Terengganu government and district council over the case. The protestors also chanted 'Execute AWA' repeatedly before dispersing peacefully. Pressure on the government The protestors came from various walks of life, with some representing organisations from across the country, such as the Selangor Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Persatuan Pengguna Islam Malaysia (PPIM), the Terengganu-based Stray Animal Organisation (Kasih Malaysia), the Kluang Animal Protection Association and the Cameron Highlands Animal Welfare Society. Sue Ann Kong, founder of the Execute AWA movement, said the gathering was held to highlight to the government the importance of animal welfare and the worrying increase of animal abuse cases. 'Our call to action is for the government to ensure that the public understand animal abuse is punishable by law,' Kong said. Citing data from the veterinary services department, Kong said cases of animal abuse had risen from 463 in 2016 to an average of over 2,300 a year from 2021 to 2024. Muslim sentiments Kasih Malaysia secretary Nik Hamidi Haron said the group had found that Muslims in Terengganu were not supportive of cruelty against stray dogs, despite sensitivities on the animal. He also said Kasih Malaysia was ready to assist the government in implementing more humane methods to control the stray population. 'Even in areas where stray dogs are a more sensitive issue, the sentiments of Muslims are that the lives of stray dogs should be defended. Stray dogs should not (be culled),' he said. Jan Fazal Eladi, of PPIM, also urged the relevant authorities to engage NGOs on managing strays and to ensure compliance with the Animal Welfare Act. 'The animal rights groups know how to properly reduce the stray populations in a way that is not cruel. They should not kill the animals in such a cruel manner,' she said. In recent months, various local councils' approaches to managing stray dogs sparked accusations of animal cruelty. In February, a police report was lodged against the Kluang Municipal Council for allegedly abusing animals and burying dogs alive. Yesterday, more than 300 people gathered outside Negeri Sembilan's state secretariat building to protest against the state government's decision to cull stray dogs in Malay-majority areas.
