Sarawak SPCA’s Gala 50th Anniversary Dinner

image credits: Veronica Ng

As part of its 50^th anniversary, the Sarawak Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA) had a fund-raising dinner to raise RM1.5 million to build a new shelter at Jalan Stephen Yong here. 

Held at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK), the charity dinner also served as a prelude to the World Animal Groove Music Festival, which was held the next day.

“SSCPA members come from all walks of life and share one goal, which is to speak for the animals who share our planet. Indeed, there is probably no action more noble than to speak for those who cannot speak for themselves,” said SSPCA patron Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg.

He also said that since its inception on Sept 11, 1962 the SSPCA and the state government have enjoyed a strong and mutually beneficial partnership.

Abang Johari, who is also the Minister of Tourism and Housing, added that Kuching remains the only city in Malaysia where the local authorities have a formal agreement with an NGO to promote animal welfare.

“Through this arrangement, SSPCA takes all the abandoned, abused and unwanted animals collected by the council teams. These animals are housed at their shelter and cared for until they can find new loving homes,” he added.

He also said the partnership includes joint subsidized neutering programmers as a means to curb the stray animal population. He also said that next year, SSPCA and the government would conduct a city-wide census of the stray population to aid in developing targeted strategies for the future.

Abang Johari also said a programme would be held on caring for animals, which would also benefit the community as a whole.

“To achieve our shared vision for a clean, healthy and caring city that locals and visitors can appreciate and enjoy, we must extend this partnership to include all other sectors of society including business and industry,” he added.

During the dinner, Abang Johari was also given the honour to launch the new design of the shelter. SSPCA president Dona Drury Wee said the new shelter, which will be built on a three-acre land, will be promoting a green concept.

“We care for over 300 abused and abandoned animals everyday brought in by the three municipal councils and members of the public,” said Wee.

She also said the limited space and flash floods were among the key triggers for the SSPCA to seek a new shelter.

The Gala Dinner featured exquisite cuisine accompanied by performances from some of the artistes slated to perform the next day at the World Animal Groove Music Festival.

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