Help keep hope alive for hundreds of animals at this Hulu Langat shelter

Co-founded by Mukunnan Sugumaran, the Malaysian Animal Welfare Association (Mawa) currently cares for 370 dogs, 12 cats and nine tortoises.

KUALA LUMPUR: For the past 10 years, the Malaysian Animal Welfare Association (Mawa) has been providing abandoned and abused animals with something many of them have never known – safety, compassion and a place to call home.

Sadly, the organisation is now facing one of its toughest challenges yet: keeping its shelter doors open.

Founded by husband-and-wife team Mukunnan Sugumaran and Anuratha Gopal Singam, Mawa currently cares for 370 dogs, 12 cats and nine tortoises at its main shelter in Hulu Langat.

It also houses another 50 dogs in Puchong, many of which were rescued after being bailed out from the Subang Jaya City Council pound in January last year.

“Mawa has always focused on helping homeless animals. All the animals in our care have been rescued from the streets or from dangerous situations,” said Mukunnan, who is the association’s president.

“We bring them in, treat them, vaccinate them and rehome them. Those we are unable to rehome stay with us for life.”

Mukunnan noted that Mawa does not put animals down unnecessarily; instead, they are cared for with compassion for their entire lives.

Some of the sweet faces at the shelter who need help. (Mawa pic)

That lifelong commitment means the shelter’s responsibilities extend far beyond rescue. Mukunnan and Anuratha see the shelter as a space that offers animals a second chance.

They emphasise the importance of maintaining quality care, including adequate housing, nutrition and medical treatment.

Both are actively involved in every aspect of running the shelter, from administration to hands-on work such as cleaning and rescuing animals from the streets.

Yet despite their dedication, running a shelter has become increasingly challenging. “We are struggling with our day-to-day operational expenses,” Mukunnan said.

“On top of that, there is a high demand for us to rescue and take in dogs every day. We receive at least 20 calls and messages requesting help.”

Mawa requires about RM45,000 a month to maintain basic operations and ensure the animals continue receiving proper care.

Monthly expenses include RM5,500 for rental, RM12,400 in helper allowances, RM1,500 for utilities, RM700-RM800 for cleaning supplies, RM23,500 for food, and RM1,000 for petrol and other running costs.

The team at Mawa spends up to RM23,500 on food and kibble every month. (Mawa pic)

The shelter is also burdened by outstanding debts, including RM75,000 owed to a veterinary clinic and RM6,000 in hardware-related expenses.

Mukunnan said some of these bills have been pending for years, as they are only able to make payment whenever funds are available.

“We constantly need donations, whether in the form of materials or cash, to maintain our operations,” he said.

Adding to the uncertainty, Mawa now faces the possibility of relocating its main shelter.

“We are being required to relocate as some parties have raised concerns about our presence in Hulu Langat after seven years,” Mukunnan added.

As such, the shelter hopes to secure a more suitable site that can accommodate visitors, sponsors and volunteers, who are crucial to its future.

Mukunnan says the shelter faces an uncertain future as they may have to relocate from their Hulu Langat site.

For those wishing to help, every contribution matters – whether it is a bag of kibble, help with veterinary bills, or any other form of support to keep the shelter running.

Volunteers can also help ease the burden carried by a small team caring for hundreds of animals.

“The shelter is a place where they are given a second chance, and we need to ensure their quality of life is maintained,” Mukunnan stressed.

“Providing proper shelter, food and medical care is our main purpose, and we remain fully committed to that mission.”

Please send your donations to Persatuan Kebajikan Haiwan Malaysia, Maybank account 5623 8452 4376.

For more information, contact Mukunnan at 012-631 6334. Also find out more about Mawa on Facebook.