PETALING JAYA: A rescue operation is underway after a fisherman discovered a group of starving cats stranded on an abandoned floating structure near Pulau Ketam. Syafiq Suhaime, the angler who brought attention to the situation, posted a video on his TikTok account, @syafiq.lahhh, showing several severely underweight cats on the dilapidated structure.
Read More
Syafiq reported that some of the cats bit him when he approached them, likely due to prolonged lack of food and water. He was unable to rescue the animals himself at that time, explaining, "Sorry guys, I can’t help because I’m alone on the boat and this is an inflatable boat. Safety comes first."
The structure appeared abandoned for months, its surface covered with barnacles. The video quickly gained traction, prompting several animal lovers to head to the area for the rescue. In a follow-up TikTok update, user @Uyienaaa_ shared that 10 cats had been rescued and placed under her care. However, an estimated five to eight cats remain stranded at the location.
Uyienaaa_ noted that efforts to rescue the remaining cats would continue, though some are frightened of humans, making them difficult to reach. Additionally, some cats were found dead and would need to be buried, while those rescued are suffering from severe malnutrition and require urgent veterinary care.
Rescue volunteer Pherbies estimated that medical expenses for the animals could range from RM6,000 to RM7,000. Efforts continue as rescuers work to bring the remaining cats to safety.