01-07-2025
UMS Labuan students raise RM3,820 to help stray animals
The UMSKAL students and Veterinary Services Department staff at the presentation of mock cheque.
LABUAN (July 1): The community support animal welfare initiative 'Paws of Hope – Spay, Neuter and Feed' has successfully raised RM3,820 through a crowdfunding campaign on the MyStar app in just one month.
The project was organized by students from Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Labuan International Campus (UMSKAL) under the supervision of their Corporate Finance lecturer, Dr Suzillah Binti Sidek.
Coordinated by Gayatheri, the project's director, this student-led initiative aims to help stray animals by providing vital care, food and vaccinations.
The campaign's official closing ceremony took place on June 12 at the Labuan Veterinary Services Department.
From the total funds raised, RM2,065 was allocated to the Veterinary Services Department to cover the cost of spaying, neutering and vaccinating 18 cats. The remaining funds was used to purchase food for stray cats and dogs to support a food bank initiative for animals in need across Labuan.
The project also received strong support from the local community including Lawrence Yap, owner of Pet Home Daycare: MaYa, who assisted with animal transport. Yap shared that the initiative deeply touched him, inspired by the memory of his beloved pet, Maya, who had passed away. This loss led him to dedicate his life to helping stray animals as a meaningful expression of love.
The closing ceremony also included a symbolic handover of a mock cheque to the Veterinary Services Department and tokens of appreciation for all contributors and partners who had supported the project.
Gayatheri expressed her heartfelt appreciation and honor in the collaborative efforts of students, government agencies, NGOs and the local community.
'This project is not just an academic but it is a small initiative that has created a big impact on the lives of stray animals in Labuan. Thank you to everyone who has played a role in making it a success,' she said.
The 'Paws of Hope' project is part of the Service Learning Malaysia – University for Society (SULAM) program at UMSKAL, which emphasizes community-based learning while instilling humanitarian values in students.
