Nancy to seek support, funding for SSPCA to establish ‘Klinik Kembiri’
KUCHING: Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said she will personally assist Sarawak Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals ( SSPCA) to set up a ‘Klinik Kembiri’ in Sarawak.
The clinic, she explained, offers a subsidised rate to registered animal rescue groups and the lower income group to neuter animals or pets.
“I will help to remind my colleagues about this request as it is only through real effort to spay and neuter our pets that we can control and reduce the number of stray animals that walk the streets and housing estates,” she said during the SSPCA Christmas Carnival 2017 at the Christian Ecumenical Centre here yesterday.
Currently, only Kuala Lumpur City Hall ( DBKL) and Selangor SPCA have a Klinik Kembiri.
“I will assist the SSPCA to advocate for the same model to be implemented in Sarawak and to seek support and funding for the project among my counterparts in the government,” said Nancy, who is Batang Sadong MP.
She also pointed out that it has been a very challenging year for SSPCA and all animal lovers in Sarawak due to the rabies outbreak.
According to her, it was most unfortunate that there were loss of human lives, especially young children.
“I read that the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Local Government had sought advice from SSPCA on how to deal with the outbreak and will continue to work together for the next few years to eradicate this dreaded disease from our state.”
She also announced an allocation of RM3,000 to SSPCA to lighten the shelter’s operating costs, which reportedly reaches RM30,000 a month.
SSPCA president Datin Dona Wee, who also spoke, said the Christmas carnival – into its fifth year – was aimed at raising funds for the shelter.
“Fundraising for the shelter is continuous as we have about 300 to 350 animals to feed, as well as food, medical bills and salary of full-time staff members,” she said, adding that SSPCA will continue to work with the government to make the state rabies-free.
“The last reported case of positive rabies was reported on Oct 23, just three weeks ago in Asajaya. So, rabies is still very much within our state.”
More than 50 stalls participated in the one- day carnival, selling a wide range of products from food and beverage items to used books.
Games and live Christmas carol performances were also held on the sidelines of the carnival.
Also present was Datuk Bandar of Kuching North City Commission ( DBKU) Datuk Abang Wahap Abang Julai, who picked up a bass guitar to perform several jazz numbers. SIBU: Muslim Welfare Organisation Malaysia ( Perkim) Sibu branch’s proposed new building at Bandong Road here ends their 28-year- old wait for own premises.
Perkim Sibu branch chairperson Datin Sharifah Zaidah Syed Abdul Aziz said since its inception in 1989, they had been waiting for a permanent building to carry out the many activities.
“This is the moment that we have waiting for years and finally our dream will become a reality.
“Perkim Sibu branch was established in 1989 with only 250 members and it is difficult to carry out activities without one’s ‘own house’,” she said prior to the earth breaking ceremony on Saturday, performed by Assistant Minister of Education and Technological Research Dr Annuar Rapaee.
Sharifah Zaidah’s text-of-speech was read by Perkim Sibu branch deputy chairperson Jamilah Umit, who represented her at the function.
Sharifah Zaidah also gave a brief background on Perkim Sibu branch. She recalled their first premise was the house of the late former Sibu District Pemanca Datuk Paduka Sharifah Rehanah Tuanku Razali at No 56, Kampung Datu Road here between Oct 19, 1989 and 1992.
Then, the office was moved to PBB Bandong Road from 1992 to April 20, 2002. They were able to carry out various activities which received good response from the local community there.
She disclosed that their third premise was at No 1, Awang Ramli Amit – allocated temporarily by Sibu Resident Office as office and activity centre for Perkim Sibu branch.
Sharifah Zaidah said Perkim Sibu branch with 401 members is presently housed at Sibu Islamic Complex.
Meanwhile, the construction of the new building will take about four months is expected to be completed by March next year.
Among those present was Temenggong Datuk Wan Hamid Edruce.