KUALA LUMPUR: Come Ramadan, this team packs food in black plastic bags to feed stray cats.
Calling themselves “Geng Plastik Hitam” (Black Plastic Bag Gang), the mission of the team from a veterinary centre here is rooted in compassion, besides displaying an ironic twist to the name.
(Geng Plastik Hitam is often used with negative connotations during Ramadan, referring to those who get food discreetly during fasting time.)
Now in its fourth year, CatnestVet Clinic’s Ramadan initiative focuses on caring for stray cats that roam housing areas and shop lots in search of scraps.
These animals often struggle to survive when eateries close during Ramadan.
“Stray cats depend on leftovers from restaurants. When those places close during the day, many of them go hungry,” said veterinarian Dr Muhammad Aiman Mohd Mokhtar, 29.
He said the programme is based on the concept of charity, with customers encouraged to contribute to food banks at the clinic.
“We collect the food donated by our clients and pack them into black plastic bags.
“These are then given to other customers so they can feed stray cats in their own neighbourhood,” he said in an interview.
This year, the clinic hopes to expand the programme through collaborations with other partners, targeting a participation increase of 20% from previous editions.
Dr Muhammad Aiman said the initiative also aims to nurture a sense of public responsibility towards stray animals.
“We want people to see that even a small act – giving a packet of food – can make a big difference.
“At the same time, we hope this can lead to better awareness about the health and population control of stray cats,” he added.
Clinic nurse Safiah Lamawi, 25, said about 300 black plastic food packs were distributed last year.
“Seeing people come back to take more packs because they had already fed cats in their area was very touching,” she said.
Fellow nurse Aqila Azizi, 29, said she was moved by the dedication shown by cat lovers who kept the food packs in their cars.
“They told us it was easier for them to stop and feed cats wherever they saw them, whether near their homes or at petrol stations,” she said.
One of the clinic’s clients, Nurul Aliana Mat Arif, 26, described the initiative as simple but meaningful: “As a cat lover, I feel this programme helps ease the suffering of stray cats.”
Those interested in contributing can do so at the clinic’s branches in Lakefield Sungai Besi, Bandar Tun Hussein Onn and Wangsa Maju until March 6, with distribution starting two days later.
