A feline -themed performance during the launch of the cat park at Jalan Budiman in Bandar Tun Razak. — Photos: SHAARI CHEMAT/ The Star
TO REDUCE the number of stray cats in the city, Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) has launched a “Laman Kucing” (cat park) at Jalan Budiman, Bandar Tun Razak.
The cat park was initiated by Bandar Tun Razak MP Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail and the then Kuala Lumpur mayor Datuk Seri Kamarulzaman Mat Salleh.
It aims to provide shelter to stray and abandoned cats while creating awareness of the importance of animal welfare.
“The increasing number of stray cats raises concerns,” said DBKL executive director (socio-economic development) Ismadi Sakirin.
“Last year, there were 2,052 complaints related to dogs, cats, rats and other pests, including 269 on cats.
Azman (top, left) and Ismadi each holding a cat at the cat park. Left: Stray cats are placed at the DBKL facility and put up for adoption.
“A total of 848 stray cats were caught last year.
“As of July this year, DBKL received 139 complaints related to stray cats and 377 cats were caught,” he said.
The Prime Minister’s political secretary Datuk Azman Abidin launched the cat park alongside DBKL Health and Environment Department director Dr Umi Ahmad.
The felines will be provided with food and medical treatment.
To address the rising number of strays, DBKL also started a cat adoption programme in conjunction with the launch of the park.
Stray cats are placed at the dBKL facility and put up for adoption.
The adoption drive at the park will be conducted in collaboration with NGOs on Tuesday, Thursday and the first Saturday of every month.
Cats that are vaccinated, neutered and have undergone flea treatment can be adopted for a fee of RM200 while unneutered cats that are vaccinated and have undergone flea treatment can be adopted for RM70.
The cat park is open daily from 11am to 1pm and 2pm to 6pm.
