01/02/2026

ON SUNDAY February 1, 2026 II theSunday Special

Inside Malaysia’s growing animal adoption movement

BY ASHRAF WAHAB

From streets to sofas, PAWS Malaysia creates space for pets to be loved, rehabilitated and rehomed

O N a warm Saturday morning, the clang of metal bowls and a chorus of eager barks greet visitors long before they reach the gates of the premises. Sun light spills across the shelter’s courtyard, where volunteers are already hard at work – refilling water tubs, brushing dusty fur and coaxing timid dogs out for their morning walks. It’s chaotic, loud and strangely heartwarming, like stepping into a universe where the residents ask for very little but give back endlessly. In one corner, a small terrier mix bounces excitedly in its enclosure, tail wagging so hard it seems ready to launch into orbit. A family stands nearby, smil ing at the little show he puts on. Not far away, a pair of teenagers crouch beside a shy calico cat that refuses to make eye contact but slowly and slightly leans into DQ R̆ HUHG KDQG Scenes like these are what we imagine

happen every weekend at Paws Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) Malaysia, which has been caring for abandoned, stray and surrendered animals since 1987. Over nearly four decades, the shelter has witnessed the full spectrum of hu man–animal relationships – from joy and hope to heartbreak and tough choices and continues to champion adoption as Malaysia’s most humane and sustainable path to pet ownership. “It’s not that people don’t love their pets. But life changes, circumstances change and sometimes people just feel WKH\ FDQ¶W D̆ RUG WKH WLPH H̆ RUW RU FRVW anymore,” said Jonathan Yeoh, senior FRRUGLQDWLRQ Ṙ FHU IRU 3$:6 Among the most common reasons for surrender, he added, are unwanted litters and strays brought in by well-meaning citizens. One pattern, however, has re mained stubbornly consistent: Every major festive season, surrender spikes.

Every adoption stands out. Each one is a pinnacle of what we do.”

Yeoh

Pet adoption at PAWS is a straightforward process.