02/05/2026

SATURDAY | MAY 2, 2026

COMMUNITY 7

Miss Universe Malaysia champions animal welfare as SPCA ambassador

Free care for children of B40 working parents

Ű P.CHANDRA SAGARAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com

IPOH: A special children’s activity centre was recently set up in Buntong, a suburb of Ipoh, to help ease the burden of working parents in the B40 low-income category and prevent their children from getting involved in undesirable activities. The centre, which started operations in Taman Keledang Emas two months ago, allows parents to leave their children to be cared for there after school hours. “The children go back home with their parents after their work is over,” said centre chairman P. Uvarajanhey. “We ensure that the children pick up some knowledge and also participate in various activities during their time here. “They would not get involved with wayward company after schools hours and be subjected to bad influences,“ he added. During their time at the centre, the children are coached on their studies and school homework while being introduced to healthy social activities. While protecting them from abuse and neglect, they are also guided in strengthening their mental development. The children would also be taught elements of the various festivities such as Chinese New Year, Deepavali, Hari Raya and Christmas. The centre also acts as a bridge between the community and government agencies on relevant matters related to the needs of the families. No charges are imposed at the centre, which is under the supervision of the Kinta District Social Welfare Office and is currently caring for some 20 children. A counsellor, doctor and two supervisors are employed to support and monitor them. Funding is channelled through the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry.

PETALING JAYA: Miss Universe Malaysia 2025, Chloe Lim, recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals to officially mark her appointment as an SPCA Selangor ambassador. In this role, Lim has pledged to leverage her platform to advocate a kinder world for animals through adoption drives, educational programmes and community outreach initiatives. The MoU was signed by Lim and SPCA Selangor chairman Christine Chin at the organisation’s premises in Ampang Jaya. “We are delighted to welcome Chloe as our ambassador. Her passion for animal rights and her ability to inspire the public have helped us reach new audiences and strengthen our cause,” said Chin. Lim’s commitment to the cause has been shaped by her personal experiences, from growing up with six rescue dogs and forming bonds with horses through childhood horse riding, to pursuing her Master of Laws in London, where she focused her dissertation on animal rights. Her first-hand encounters with animal welfare issues have fuelled a deep passion for improving the treatment of animals and driving positive change in the area. “As an SPCA Selangor ambassador, I aim to raise greater awareness on animal welfare, encourage responsible pet ownership and inspire more people to step forward as volunteers to become a part of something greater than themselves. “How we treat animals reflects who we are as a society, and I am KOTA KINABALU: Thirty-two rural coffee farmers in Sabah have been equipped with modern agricultural knowledge to help improve their livelihoods. The farmers took part in a hands-on, one-day community empowerment programme supported by the Tenom Agriculture Department and Yayasan Hasanah, held at Padas Farmstay in Kampung Paal. Organised by Onsoi Coffee founder Sharon Voo, the programme covered key topics such as coffee farming technology, pest control, harvest management, and included a practical session on pruning. Participants also heard from former accountant-turned-coffee farmer Tham Yau Siong, who shared his personal journey, demonstrating that coffee farming can be a sustainable and rewarding livelihood. “I believe real change begins at the grassroots. Through this programme, our farmers gained Ű BY JOSHUA CHANG newsdesk@thesundaily.com

o Chloe Lim wants to raise awareness, encourage responsible pet ownership and inspire people to volunteer

Lim is committed to supporting SPCA volunteers and staff through her new role.

efforts such as Chloe’s could help address such challenges and foster a more compassionate environment for animals. The public may follow Lim’s animal welfare advocacy and her journey as Miss Universe Malaysia 2025 on her Instagram account @chloelimsl.

Act 2015. The volume of cases reflects the scale of animal welfare issues in the country and points to the challenges faced by shelters and enforcement agencies in addressing mistreatment and neglect. Through continued awareness and collective action,

committed to championing the wellbeing of animals through this role,” she said. According to the Veterinary Services Department, a total of 19,303 animal welfare complaints were received between 2021 and 2025, with 16,340 of those cases falling under the Animal Welfare

Tenom coffee farmers learn new techniques to boost livelihood

Participants of the programme hope to promote Tenom coffee and expand their manufacturing capacity.

improved techniques and feeling more motivated to increase yields. She added that Onsoi Coffee is expanding its production capacity to make Tenom’s signature coffee more widely available while maintaining its community focus.

partners would continue supporting local enterprises to grow and bring Tenom coffee to a wider audience. According to Voo, the programme received positive feedback, with farmers expressing greater confidence in applying

iconic am committed to promoting it through social media and by expanding our manufacturing capacity to make it accessible anytime, anywhere.” She expressed hope that government agencies and corporate products, and I

practical knowledge and renewed hope,“ said Voo. “My vision is to raise incomes, improve harvest quality and inspire more young Sabahans to see coffee farming as a viable future. “Tenom coffee is one of Sabah’s