MMA fighter AJ Pyro continues to feed the stray cats and dogs in Kota Kinabalu and surrounding areas during Raya.
KOTA KINABALU: While most people returned to their hometowns to spend Hari Raya with loved ones and friends, mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter AJ Pyro kept on with his mission to feed stray cats and dogs in the state capital and surrounding areas.
“It is the same routine. Nothing changes even when it’s Raya. I still feed the strays every day regardless, even when it rains,” said the 46-year-old, whose real name is Jumat Lias Mansor.
Last year, The Star carried a story on how AJ did a stint at a friend’s car wash to collect funds to buy food for the strays.
The animal lover would habitually rescue sick or injured kittens and cats from a young age, and started to feed the city's strays when the Covid-19 pandemic hit in 2020.
Among the areas he covered were Likas, Sembulan, Kepayan and Petagas.
However, as he resumed work as a freelance trainer again this year as restrictions were lifted, in addition to taking care of his elderly mother, his time has become limited and he is now looking for some assistance.
“Contributions are still needed as it takes RM300 to RM400 a week to feed the strays. Right now I am tending to about 60 or 70 stray dogs and cats.
“There are also 24 rescued cats under my care, 19 live with me and the other five are housed elsewhere.
“Lots of time, money and energy are being spent on this, so I would really appreciate it if someone can help. They can get in touch with me to adopt, volunteer or donate to feed the strays,” he said.
He shared that doing all this was not without its struggles, as he depended solely on contributions to keep feeding the animals.
“Some of my close friends and kind strangers have contributed, and now I have some money from my income as I've started working again, but funds need to be keep coming in.
“I admit that I almost quit feeding and rescuing strays many times because it requires time, money, patience and heart to do this.
“But every time I see the strays starving and dying on the street, I know I cannot stop," he said.
At the same time, he has a message for pet owners to take care of their pets and treat them as family members.
“Most strays originally have owners. But sometimes when they get sick, the owners abandon them.
“I also advise owners to neuter their pets to avoid overpopulation, which leads to them being unable to afford food for all the animals,” he added.
Those who are interested to offer help may contact AJ Pyro through his Instagram account (@ajpyro) or WhatsApp 010-9317869.
