Feeding stray dogs in Malaysia
Now and then, stories of kind-hearted locals showing affection for their furry friends on the streets help restore our faith in humanity. In Klang, two Malaysian sisters have been garnering attention online for their daily efforts to care for the city’s four-legged residents.
Since 2020, Nur Khairunnisa and Nur Ain Emilia have taken it upon themselves to feed stray dogs in their community every single day. Their deeds have not only warmed the hearts of locals but is also shattering stereotypes.
Sisters on a mission to feed stray dogs
Nur Khairunnisa and Nur Ain Emilia, also fondly called Nisa and Amy by their close ones, hail from Kapar, Klang. They work as full-time clerks at a plastic box and glove factory respectively along Jalan Wawasan. Often spotted around their workplace with bowls of food in their hands, the duo have earned themselves a reputation as “the girls who feed stray dogs every day”.
Their call to feed the unowned canines near their workplace began during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. While many were struggling to make ends meet, including stray animal feeders and pet owners, Nisa and Amy took extra measures to ensure that their furry friends weren’t left hungry even during the pandemic.
In an interview with TheSmartLocal Malaysia, the sisters shared that while running errands, they noticed a handful of stray dogs wandering around the factory area. The dogs were visibly hungry as they relied on the kindness of nearby shop owners, who had to temporarily close their stores to adhere to the SOPs of various Movement Control Orders in the country.
The sisters, already animal lovers who had been feeding stray cats near their home, decided to extend their compassion to the dogs. In just four years, they have seen the dogs grow from puppies into full-grown dogs under their watchful care.
The dogs have even become like family to them, with Nisa and Amy knowing their personalities and quirks personally – they can spot when something is off with one in their pack in a heartbeat.
The care and cost of looking out for the dogs
When it comes to food, the stray dogs that Nisa and Amy look after enjoy a feast fit for royalty – one that’s put together with great care and cost.
On their days off, the sisters whip up a gourmet meal of rice infused with turmeric, eggs, and chicken bones for the dogs. On the weekdays, the menu shifts to a fuss-free, but just as wholesome, mix of dog kibble and biscuits.
As for the cost, they revealed that they spend around RM65-70 a week to keep their four-legged friends’ tummies filled.
Despite the extra expenses from their paychecks, the sisters shared that they consider it affordable to feed their stray pals and find contentment in the deed. “A chicken neck only costs about RM4″, Nisa noted. “Somehow, we always manage to keep their bowls full, and that’s a blessing for us”.
The meal prep itself takes about 30 minutes, including boiling the rice and bones. The sisters have set up designated feeding areas, and the dogs have got their routine down to a science, eagerly waiting for their daily feast at the zones.
“For me, around the factory where I work, there are about 14 stray dogs”, Amy shared. Likewise, Nisa’s spot sees about 20 furry friends showing up like clockwork around 6.30pm.
“We get genuinely sad if we can’t make it to feed them, whether it’s because we’re feeling under the weather or just tied up with life”, Nisa admitted. Their passion and love for these animals shine through when they shared with us how they couldn’t help but worry about who will one day feed them if they were no longer able to.
As brawls are inevitable among dogs without a home and living in packs, the sisters look out for their overall well-being too. “If a dog looks a bit under the weather, we’ll reach out to local animal rescuers for help”, Nisa shared. For minor scrapes, they roll up their sleeves and apply ointments themselves.
Skin conditions are also common among the dogs, but the sisters are unfazed as caring for these pups has become like second nature to them.
Feeding the hungry is always a win
Their deeds have sparked discussions online, about their religion and its stance on dogs.
Nisa addressed this candidly, saying that while some local Muslims have reservations about touching dogs due to religious cleanliness, it’s never been a call to avoid kindness or compassion towards animals. She firmly believes that “Dogs are also animals created by God” and added that, in today’s modern world, there’s no obligation to feed stray dogs and that “It’s a matter of choice”.
Respecting their faith, both Nisa and Amy ensure that after feeding the dogs, they return home and clean up according to Islamic teachings.
When asked about local reaction to their work, they shared that it has been mixed – some would express their admiration for their deeds, while others give them the side-eye. Amy, the younger sister, recalled how people would sometimes ask them, “Do you know that touching dogs is haram?” But she has a witty response to this: “I’ll throw a question back at them – do you know that touching your boyfriend’s or girlfriend’s hand can also be considered haram?”
On a more serious note, the sisters believe that every religion champions the idea of doing good, and what they’re doing is their way of serving a higher purpose.
Amy also shared that while humans can speak up when they’re hungry, animals cannot voice their needs. As such, she believes that “Feeding the hungry, whether human or animal, is always a win”.
In a multicultural country like Malaysia, it’s still a rarity to spot a Malay woman feeding stray dogs. As such, most locals are genuinely impressed when they catch the sisters in action. “It’s even turned into a social win for us”, Nisa and Amy shared. “We’ve met so many amazing people through sharing tips and stories about the strays”.
By caring for these stray dogs, the sisters are sending a powerful message about compassion and kindness as Malaysians. They’re living proof that it’s not about what you believe in, but how you act towards those in need – whether they’ve got two legs or four.
Compassion is a key to living in harmony
In a world that can feel divided at times, Nisa firmly believes that their passion for feeding stray dogs is spreading a message that love doesn’t have to follow the rules. Whether it’s feeding a group of hungry canines or helping someone in need, they believe that compassion is key to living in harmony.
After all, it’s one thing to post pretty quotes about loving without limits, but it’s another to show up every single day and do it, no matter what others might say. These sisters have done just that – with grace and compassion.
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Cover image adapted from: TheSmartLocal Malaysia
Photography by Yusintha.
Some quotes have been edited for brevity and clarity.