Norfazilatun Zin, president of Noah’s Ark Ipoh Animal Welfare, told FMT they need RM40,000 to RM50,000 to rebuild the shelter so it can continue to serve its purpose as a haven for special needs dogs and cats.
Over the long term, there also are plans to start a cattery that will not only house rescued cats but also provide boarding facilities for pets.
“I want something sustainable for my successor. I want Noah’s Ark to eventually have the capacity to generate its own income,” she explained.
But for now, Norfazilatun said, the priority is to rebuild the shelter. In the meantime, the five special needs dogs and 19 cats that survived the disaster are being cared for by the volunteers at their respective homes.
‘Losing half my life’
According to the Perak fire and rescue department, the fire destroyed about 80% of the 15m-by-15m structure.
For 55-yeare-old Norfazilatun, who has devoted nearly eight years of her life to leading a group of volunteers to run the shelter, the loss of life in the incident has been deeply painful.
A total of 21 animals perished in the fire, while 15 remain unaccounted for.
She said some animals might have fled into nearby forested areas, and she hopes they will return.
The 24 animals that have been rescued are now being treated for burns.
“People may think they are just animals, but to us, they have names. When they have names, they are like our children,” Norfazilatun said.
“I feel like half my life has been taken in that fire. I know recovery will take time, and I am allowing myself (time) to grieve.”
She also said the shelter has been receiving negative online comments from netizens, accusing it of keeping cats in enclosures instead of setting them free.
“This is despite the fact that the cats are sick and need to be quarantined and isolated from healthy ones. People can be very harsh with their words even when we are already struggling,” she said.
However, she acknowledged that as president, she must remain strong and focus on rebuilding efforts.
Future plans
Norfazilatun is also taking the opportunity to secure a better future for the animals she rescues.
“We (she and her volunteers) have been considering a plan to set up a cattery to house rescued cats,” she said.
She said the cattery will likely have two levels – the upper level to serve as a shelter for rescued cats and the boarding facilities will be at the ground level.
Despite the disaster, Noah’s Ark will proceed with a previously planned adoption drive for cats this weekend (May 2 and 3) at Petronas Sunway Tambun. It will be from 10am to 5pm. Norfazilatun also appealed for public support and their prayers.
How you can help
Noah’s Ark Ipoh Animal Welfare is a fully volunteer-run NGO focused on animal rescue and welfare.
It is the first dog and cat welfare organisation in Peninsular Malaysia to receive funding from Yayasan Hasanah, a community empowerment and environmental foundation.
The shelter regularly holds adoption drives at Lotus Bercham and Petronas Sunway.
Donations can be sent to CIMB account 8004 8859 41 (Persatuan Penyelamat Haiwan Terbiar Bahtera Noah Ipoh), or by contacting 012-437 2932.