Nurul Ashikin (second from right) visiting the animal shelter at Tanjung Langsat that will be completed next month.
Pasir Gudang building to house 50 strays at a time
Pasir Gudang City Council (MBPG) allocated almost RM1mil to build an animal shelter for stray cats and dogs.
MBPG secretary Nurul Ashikin A. Jabar said the council received about 20 reports on stray animals daily, thus a shelter was needed.
“The shelter development started last October and is expected to be completed next month.
“The development cost is about RM1mil and (construction) is now 93% complete,” she said at MBPG Dynamic Sports Day at UTC Pasir Gudang, which attracted 1,200 participants.
She said the shelter was being built over a land area of 1,452 sqm.
The one-storey building is estimated to be able to accommodate 50 animals at any time and will have its own veterinary clinic.
Nurul Ashikin added that the shelter would help house stray animals not only in Pasir Gudang but also other local council areas inside Greater Johor Baru if needed.
“Kulai Municipal Council (MPKu) and Johor Baru City Council (MBJB) have their own animal compounds.
“We will still provide shelter for strays caught by other local councils,” she said, adding that the council was planning to hire at least four contractors to catch strays in the city.
She added that the council would also be working together with the Veterinary Service Department to ensure the animals caught were free from disease and well fed.
“We want to create a shelter that is not solely for addressing complaints but at the same time, for treating stray animals humanely,” she said.
She urged owners to ensure their pets were not left to wander outside their homes, as it would lead to public complaints.
When asked to comment on Visit Pasir Gudang Year 2025 agenda, Nurul Ashikin said Kong Kong had been listed as a hidden gem that the city council planned to highlight in their tourism calendar.
“Kong Kong is a perfect place for families to spend time together.
“It has fresh and cheap seafood and is about 20 minutes from the city centre.
“The paperwork is currently being prepared and we hope to be able to submit it to be approved for next year’s budget for development,” she said, adding that the council would focus on promoting eco-tourism.