KUALA LUMPUR: With the #benderaputih (white flag) campaign gaining ground in the country, the Malaysia Animal Association has come up with the #benderamerah campaign for petowners.
Just like the white flag campaign, where people who are facing hardship and need aid are asked to fly the white flag in front of their homes, the red flag campaign is for petowners who require help in feeding the cats or dogs under their care.
In a Facebook post, the association reminded petowners not to resort to abusing or abandoning their pets.
"Avoid stress, there is no need to beg or feel ashamed. Just fly a red flag.
"Pets are part of our family. They are living beings who know hunger, they have feelings and they need love. May there be those who will help," the post said.
In an accompanying statement, the association's president Arie Dwi Andika said since the movement control order started last year, there have been many cases of cats and dogs being abandoned.
"This is because petowners could not continue to care for their pets due to economic factors. As a result, many cats and dogs were left on the streets."
He remarked that it was sad to see "new faces" on the streets, scared and feeling awkward as they have to adjust to the prospect of starvation, attacks or fights with other stray animals.
This, as they have no experience of having to fend for themselves because they previously had homes.
He said the association called for the community to be more concerned of the plight of their neighbours who are petowners.
"Be concerned and ask if they have enough food supply for their cats and dogs so help can be given to neighbours who have pets but are facing financial difficulties amidst the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Malaysia Animal Association can be reached via their Facebook page or for more information, visit www.animalmalaysia.com.