Prof Mohd Said (centre) posing for a photo at the launch of the book at Lumi Marketplace. — Photos: Bernama
What began as a traveller’s homesickness for his three cats while travelling to Kuching, Sarawak, evolved into a poetry book that explores Malaysia’s landscapes from an unexpected and whimsical perspective.
Titled A Book of Poems: The Meowgical Tails of Malaysia was written from a feline’s point of view introducing readers to various aspects of the country, including its destinations, culture, food, nature and everyday lives of local communities.
The poems are by bzBee Consult founder and managing director Prof Mohd Said Bani CM Din, whose inspiration came from his cats Basyirah, Ashqar and Muezza – the B.A.M. Trio.
“During my travels, two of my cats, Basyirah and Muezza, fell ill while they were at a pet boarding facility.
“I was worried about them. It was as if I could hear their ‘meows’ in my head, and that became my source of inspiration,” Prof Mohd Said said at the book launch in Kuala Lumpur.
He said the distinct personalities and characteristics of his three cats led him to imagine them as narrators, setting the entire poetic journey in motion.
“Basyirah has an elegant, queen‑like and independent personality, Muezza is affectionate and patient while Ashqar is more active and mischievous.
Through the cat characters, the book introduces readers to various aspects of the country.
“I imagined this trio travelling with me, discovering the charm of Kuching before venturing to different corners of Malaysia,” he said, adding that over 500 copies had been sold since the book was published in December.
Beyond the three main characters, the book also featured more than 30 other cat characters inspired by the pets of his friends, clients and staff, as well as fictional felines to give a local touch to the location‑based storytelling.
Prof Mohd Said, who is also president of the Public Relations and Communications Association, said the poems – initially written separately – were later compiled into a single volume with a continuous and reader‑friendly narrative.
“Each poem is layered, allowing for different interpretations by children and adults.
“It can also serve as a relaxed introduction for international readers who want to get to know Malaysia through experiences and emotions rather than destination facts alone,” Prof Mohd Said told Bernama.
He said the storytelling spans various states across the country, blending personal experiences with research.
“In the process, I was surprised to discover how many places in Malaysia I had not known about before,” he said.
Despite its light‑hearted and imaginative approach, he emphasised that the book’s central message was to encourage readers to appreciate their own country.
“We are often too eager to travel abroad – me included – as though everything foreign is better,” he said.
“If even cats can see the beauty of our country, why can’t we?” he asked.
He added that the book had also received support from the Sarawak Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Ministry and Tourism Pahang.
Prof Mohd Said hopes that in conjunction with Visit Malaysia 2026, the poetry book will ignite curiosity among readers, especially children, to discover and appreciate the richness of the country.
“I hope when children read it, they will say they want to visit these places,” he said.
“When they grow up, they will value what we have in Malaysia.”
The 173‑page English‑language book, published by Hikayat Fandom, is available for purchase online at RM120 per copy.
