A road accident occurred last Sunday (12 April) after a shelter group’s vehicle was hit from behind by a lorry. The impact caused the vehicle to roll several metres before toppling into a roadside ditch near the Simpang Empat exit, heading towards Kuala Lumpur (Pedas Linggi, Kilometre 222).
Speaking to WORLD OF BUZZ, Revathi, a committee member of STAR Shelter, recalled that Shikin, the shelter’s owner, and three others were travelling to a mall in Kuala Lumpur for the final day of a pet adoption drive. During the journey, they encountered a mechanical emergency and were forced to pull over into the emergency lane.
Account of the crash
According to the account, Shikin and her husband exited the vehicle after hearing a strange noise from the engine, while her sister and a volunteer remained inside.
While they were checking the engine and rearranging toppled carriers at the rear of the van, a lorry suddenly crashed into the vehicle, sending it into the roadside ditch.
Revathi shared:
“Shikin and her husband were standing on the left (passenger) side of the van discussing what to do about their vehicle engine, when a lorry suddenly came and hit the van from behind. As a result of the collision, her sister was thrown from the van, while the volunteer was trapped inside with the animals.
“Both Shikin and her husband rushed to help. They managed to pull the volunteer and the animals out as quickly as possible, as thick fumes were emanating from the engine. The front of the lorry was badly damaged, but the driver was unharmed.”
Injuries and animal casualties
Revathi further shared that Shikin sustained minor injuries and trauma, while her sister suffered a deep cut on her right arm and left hand, along with significant bruising. The volunteer also sustained cuts on the forehead and body. Both the sister and the volunteer were taken to Hospital Rembau for treatment.
“Her husband didn’t suffer any physical injuries but was traumatised. As for the animals, there were 20 cats in total: 14 were warded for monitoring and observation and have survived, three passed away after being hit by other vehicles while fleeing in panic, and three remain missing.
“There were also five dogs: four were warded for monitoring (one was weak but has since recovered), and one ran off during the incident. That dog, which has only three legs, has since been found deep in the jungle,” Revathi added.
Impact on shelter operations
The shelter’s vehicle has been declared a total loss. The van had served STAR Shelter for three years, functioning as an animal ambulance and transport for rescues and adoption drives.
With the vehicle beyond repair, STAR Shelter is currently unable to participate in upcoming adoption drives or continue its rescue and rehoming efforts, which will significantly impact its funding.
Shelter seeks public support
STAR Shelter has appealed to the public for crowdfunding support to purchase a new van, cover mounting veterinary costs, and replace damaged carriers. These items are essential for their daily operations and their work supporting other animal NGOs.
“The animals are being treated at My Animal Clinic and Klinik Haiwan dan Surgeri Rizq. Our most urgent concern right now is the missing animals, as we are still trying to locate them, alongside the rising veterinary bills for those injured. We are hoping for support in replacing the van and assistance in finding our missing cats,” Revathi said.
At the time of writing, three of the shelter’s rescuers remain at the scene searching for the three missing cats.
