Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin at Catopia in Shah Alam. Looking on are Masdiana (right) and Mohd Fauzi (wearing glasses). — Photos: IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star
Feline utopia, ‘Ikon Oyen’ helping cats and owners chill out
THE nation’s first cat playground located in Shah Alam has been officially launched by Tengku Permaisuri Selangor Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin.
Her Royal Highness attended the ceremony held in conjunction with Shah Alam Car Free Day at Dataran Kemerdekaan, in Section 14.
The feline playground called Catopia built by Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) features elements specially catered to cats including mini fountains, shelters, hanging bridges, tunnels, feeding stations as well as designated litter zones.
Playtime for cats of Shah Alam.
A bus stop located along Persiaran Bandar Raya has been renovated to serve as an entrance into the park and features a playful cat theme.
Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin was accompanied by wife of the Selangor Mentri Besar Datin Seri Masdiana Muhamad, Shah Alam mayor Datuk Mohd Fauzi Mohd Yatim and MBSA deputy mayor Madiyan Baweh at the event.
The launch coincided with the unveiling of “Ikon Oyen” as the mascot to raise awareness of responsible pet ownership.
Earlier, the Tengku Permaisuri flagged off events held in conjunction with the car-free event.
Her Royal Highness was then given a tour of Catopia’s facilities and spent some time with several cats and their owners.
Speaking to the press after the launch, Mohd Fauzi said he hoped the cat park would become a tourist attraction, drawing more visitors to Shah Alam.
“We aim to use this park as a platform for the public and Shah Alam residents to bring their cats to enjoy the facilities provided so that the cats and their owners can release their stress.
“Since its opening, we have had about 1,500 visitors including tourists and students as well as residents from Shah Alam and other districts.”
A visitor posing with ‘Ikon Oyen’.
Entry to the park has been free since it opened last year.
Mohd Fauzi said MBSA was considering imposing a small fee of RM1 or RM2 and in return, visitors could be given merchandise like keychains.
He said Catopia Shah Alam has received notable recognition, winning a Special Mention award in the Placemaking and Public Space Award (Government Initiative) category and a Gold award in the Best Planning Content in Media Award (Online Media) category at MIP Planning Excellence Awards 2024.
