Fisherman Discovers Starving Cats On Abandoned Floating Structure In Pulau Ketam

KUALA LUMPUR, 13 AUGUST 2026 —

**Rescue Effort Underway After Starving Cats Found on Abandoned Structure in Pulau Ketam**

Syafiq, who was alone on an inflatable boat, said he could not rescue all of them at the time due to safety concerns and the structure’s dilapidated condition, which appeared abandoned with thick barnacle buildup.

The video quickly went viral, prompting animal welfare activists and volunteers to converge on Pulau Ketam to assist. In a follow-up TikTok post, rescuer @Uyienaaa_ reported that 10 cats had been successfully rescued and were under her care, while an estimated five to eight remained stranded. Some of the remaining cats were described as too frightened to approach humans, complicating rescue efforts.

At least several cats were found dead and were scheduled for burial, while the rescued animals required immediate medical attention for severe malnutrition.

Fundraising efforts have been initiated to cover the estimated RM6,000 to RM7,000 needed for emergency veterinary treatment. The financial appeal underscores the urgent care required for the rescued felines, which are currently receiving stabilization before potential adoption. Volunteers have continued to monitor the site, with plans to retrieve the remaining cats as soon as conditions allow.

The rescue operation reflects a growing trend in Malaysia where social media-driven awareness has mobilized public action in animal welfare cases.

The incident highlights broader concerns about abandoned maritime structures in Malaysian waters, which can pose hazards to wildlife. While no official data was provided on the number of such derelict structures in the Klang Strait, local fishermen and marine observers have previously noted their prevalence, often serving as unintended shelters for stray animals.

The Pulau Ketam case has drawn comparisons to past rescues in coastal areas, where community-led interventions have become increasingly common due to limited government resources.

For Malaysia’s animal welfare sector, the rescue underscores both the challenges and opportunities in addressing stray animal crises. While grassroots movements and digital advocacy have accelerated response times, long-term solutions—such as stricter enforcement against derelict structures and expanded sterilization programs—remain under discussion. The rescued cats are currently in temporary shelters, with rehabilitation and adoption processes expected to unfold over the coming weeks.

Authorities have not yet commented on potential investigations into the abandoned structure’s ownership or the cause of its disrepair.