Pet lovers rise to the rescue of stranded furry friends

All lives matter: Facebook page Warga Kuantan Official highlighted the efforts of some who rescued 30 cats in Inderaputra within 12 hours. — Photo from Warga Kuantan Official.

JOHOR BARU: The furry victims of the devastating floods have not been forgotten by those with a heart of gold.

“When I saw videos on social media of animals, especially cats, stranded and helpless due to the rising flood waters, I wanted to do my part by offering help to pet owners who are trying to navigate the floods,” said retail supervisor Nur Ainin Sofiya Ahmad Rozaidi, 24.

Nur Ainin Sofiya is happy to help.

So she sent out her offer on Twitter to provide refuge for cats that were affected by the floods in the Shah Alam area.

She said her home in Section 7, Shah Alam, was not flooded and has a spare room to shelter cats.

“I understand how it feels to be helpless because when the flood started on Saturday, I was stuck at my workplace in Aeon Bukit Raja as I could not get an e-hailing ride for more than an hour.

“I walked to a nearby hotel for shelter from the rain but it was full so I waited outside for hours until my friends picked me up at around 1am. Most of my friends were also stranded elsewhere,” she said when contacted.

Nur Ainin said that at least 10 people had approached her for help since she sent out the tweet at 12.24am on Sunday.

“Unfortunately, most of those who contacted me were from Taman Sri Muda and Alam Avenue where flooding was still bad and boats are needed for them to get out of the area.

“I will be sheltering two cats belonging to a woman in Padang Jawa who wanted to clean up her home as flood waters have receded,” she said, adding that she was still open to help pet owners in need.

Both non-governmental organisations and ordinary people have sprung into action to raise funds for food and provide assistance for flood victims, as well as rescue efforts for pets and strays, while others shared information of their relatives and neighbours who were stranded.

Facebook page Warga Kuantan Official highlighted the efforts of some individuals who rescued 30 cats in Inderaputra within 12 hours and placed them at a safe location with the help of the Kuantan Veterinary Department.