27-04-2025
Over 800 participants,150 pets unite for Kuching's Pet Walk 2025
Jee (third left) presents a mock cheque worth RM10,000 to SSPCA represented by its president Dona (second right), witnessed by Wee (third right) and other invited guests during the Pet Walk 2025 event this morning. – Photo by Jude Toyat
KUCHING (April 27): More than 800 participants and over 150 pets – including dogs, cats, rabbits, turtles, and birds – gathered at the Kuching South City Council (MBKS) foyer this morning for the highly anticipated Pet Walk 2025.
Jointly organised by Pertubuhan Komuniti Progresif Kuching (PKPK) and the Sarawak Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA), the three-kilometre 'walk-with-your-pets' community event celebrated the bond between humans and animals while promoting vaccination awareness and responsible pet ownership.
Kuching South Mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng, who officiated at the event, described the massive turnout as a proud moment for the city.
'Looking around today, my heart is filled with pride to see more than 800 participants and over 150 beloved pets coming together for this meaningful occasion. This shows not only the diversity of our community but also the deep bond between our residents and their pets.
'Pet Walk 2025 is undoubtedly one of the biggest pet-driven community events, if not the largest, in Sarawak. It is a beautiful reflection of Kuching's spirit – a city where people from all walks of life, different races and backgrounds, live together harmoniously, and who share a strong love and care for animals,' he said.
Participants and their furry companions walk together during the Pet Walk 2025 event at the MBKS grounds this morning.
Meanwhile, PKPK chairman and organising chairman Ryan Jee expressed his gratitude to the mayor for his continuous grassroots support.
'This shows that he (Wee) is not a mayor who just sits in the office but one who comes down to the field with a heart for the people,' said Jee.
He also acknowledged contributions from SSPCA president Datin Dona Drury-Wee, the Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak (DVSS), the Sarawak Health Department, and main sponsors, including Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Michael Tiang, and Boehringer Ingelheim.
Jee noted that today's event had successfully attracted a record turnout, and if not the largest in Malaysia, it was certainly the largest pet walk in Sarawak.
'We are not just observing history today — we are making history together,' he said, urging participants to smile for the many cameras capturing the memorable day.
Wee (left) mingling with participants while enjoying the lively atmosphere of Pet Walk 2025 at the MBKS compound.
Beyond the walk itself, activities included free public health screenings by the Health Department, registration for SSPCA's subsidised pet neutering programme, and pet-related vendor stalls.
A special contest, 'Top 10 Most Creative Pets and Owners', invited participants to submit photos ahead of the event for public voting on PKPK's Facebook page.
Proceeds from the event—with 50 per cent earmarked for SSPCA—will support the association's various animal welfare initiatives.
As families, friends, and pets strolled together through the MBKS grounds, the spirit of unity, compassion, and community pride was unmistakable — leaving pawprints of kindness all across Kuching.
Also present were DVSS deputy director Dr Nicholas Jenek and Boehringer Ingelheim Malaysia technical manager Dr Eddie Tan.
