Kuantan: More than 40 cats have been rescued by animal lovers in the district following recent floods that devastated the area. Jurina Abdul Rani, the chairman of the Pahang Stray Cats Friends Club (SKJP), along with three other members, embarked on the rescue mission driven by humanitarian concerns.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Jurina and her team faced significant challenges, including torrential rain and the need to rent a four-wheel drive and borrow boats from the public, to safely relocate the cats left behind by evacuees. "I was heartbroken when I received a phone call from a cat owner at the temporary evacuation centre (PPS) telling me that their pets were not being rescued," Jurina shared. Motivated by the distressing plea, she and other club members took the initiative to visit affected houses using borrowed boats and vehicles to collect the stranded cats.

The 53-year-old trader explained that the rescue operation spanned two days, beginning on Wednesday, with efforts concentrated on Inderapura and Jalan Teluk Mahang. Despite their dedication, Jurina expressed regret that some cats could not be reached due to logistical challenges, hoping that others would come to their aid.

The rescued cats are currently housed at a rented 'PPS' in Batu 5, awaiting the receding of floodwaters. Jurina assured that some members are assigned to care for the cats at the shelter, allowing pet owners to retrieve them at their convenience. This selfless endeavor mirrors a similar rescue mission Jurina undertook in 2021.

In addition to the physical efforts, the financial burden of rescuing, feeding, and sheltering the cats was shouldered by Jurina and supported by public donations. She emphasized that no fees are charged to cat owners, describing the initiative as a voluntary act of charity aimed at supporting the community. "Usually during floods, aid is only focused on people," Jurina remarked, highlighting the unique nature of their mission.