KUALA LUMPUR: The death of a well-known animal rescuer has left his friends shocked, with many mourning his demise on social media.
Animal rescuer Yong Chee Ching, 41, died on Oct 9, according to a post on Facebook from an associate close to him.
Yong was a passionate animal lover who actively rescued stray or injured animals. He had rescued numerous stray animals, including cats, dogs, hedgehogs, terrapins and hamsters.
He would frequently hold fundraisers on his Facebook page asking for donations to help the stray animals that were injured and in need of assistance. He posted frequent updates on each of the cases that he was working on daily.
In a China Press report, it was revealed that Yong died of a heart attack. His family revealed that it could have been caused by exhaustion as he was involved in a company team-building event where he collapsed while resting.
Yong's mother, Madam Zhu, 62 said Yong was the eldest of three siblings. She revealed that Yong would only return to his hometown of Kuala Kangsar during festive occasions.
She added that even when he visited home on regular days, he would only stay briefly before rushing off to take part in animal rescue missions.
"He also understood that we did not like the idea of him being an 'animal hero,' so he wouldn't bring up the topic unless we asked," Zhu said.
Yong's younger brother, Yong Zhi Yung, 36, said his brother had confided in him two years ago about the intense pressure at work and his desire to return to their hometown to pursue a career there.
However, to his surprise, a month later, his brother changed his mind and instead moved towards the frontlines of animal rescue, becoming an "animal hero" activist.
Prior to his death, Yong posted a fundraising message on Facebook yesterday, stating that he had rescued seven large dogs and 16 puppies from a local council and that he needed temporary shelter and medical expenses for them, urging the public to donate.
The news of Yong's demise shocked many animal lovers and many left comments on social media expressing their condolences.
"You are a great hero to the stray animals and an even greater hero whom we will always honour and respect. You will forever remain in our hearts," one netizen said about Yong's death.