KUCHING: The appeal to allow an award-winning feline from Sarawak to compete in Peninsular Malaysia will be facilitated, it was yesterday assured.
Deputy Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Chong Chieng Jen, however, warned that the rabies epidemic in the state has made it difficult for animals to compete in the various competitions.
“Even with a valid rabies titer result from the UK, the feline’s application to compete in the peninsula was still rejected,” said Chong in a press conference with Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii here yesterday.
Nonetheless, he said, that with the ministry’s clearance, the feline would be able to compete in Kedah which would be the final competition before the show season ends.
“Like it or not, there is always some level of ignorance when it comes to Sabah and Sarawak because the people don’t see us often.
“We have a good chance to win based on the scores attained at the time and want to bring the title home,” he said.
Meanwhile, Cheryl Cheah said Sarawak was put on the world map of cat fanciers recently when her cat won the title of Best Maine Coon at the international division championships of the 2018-2019 show season organised by the world’s largest cat registry known as The Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA), which ended on April 30, 2019.
Born and raised in Kuching, the 1.5 years old brown tabby with white Maine Coon, Elixir Kahlua (cat’s name), won numerous awards in other competitions throughout the year-long parade of cat shows around the world.
Kahlua is also Malaysia’s best cat and third best kitten, and the only Malaysian cat that made it to the top ten best cat in the International All Breed Championships, competing against cats from Indonesia, Thailand, South Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong and The Philippines. It also won the first runner-up in the International Division Color Class competition.
“This is the first time in history that an East Malaysian cat has won such awards.
“The international cat shows are often dominated by cats from Peninsular Malaysia and other regional countries. It is extremely competitive to win let alone bring home a total of four awards this season, so we are extremely proud to be able to achieve that,” she said.
Cheah pointed out that due to the restrictions faced in their application appeal, she had engaged Dr Kelvin Yii for assistance.
She also expressed her gratitude to Pakatan Harapan Sarawak chairman Chong who rallied behind these feline-loving activities by donating RM5,000 to Kelab Kucing Jalanan Sarawak, an NGO that cares for the welfare of local stray cats.
As such, a portion of the donated sum was later used to fund Kahlua’s competition expenses under the NGO’s sponsored event activities in Kuching.
“It’s no secret that we’re obsessed with cats but I don’t think we aren’t doing enough to live up to the city’s namesake (Kuching).
“We have tried to organise various cat shows to educate people about responsible pet ownership and make the local cat fancier scene lively again,” she added.
International competitions for cats and dogs are gaining popularity across the region and could be a huge annual tourist attraction.
Meanwhile, Cheah, 34, a Penangite who has lived in Kuching for more than seven years finds pleasure in bringing recognition to the state.
“Showing cats is my hobby and I’m just thrilled to be able to put Sarawak on the world map while doing what I love. We have so many wonderful cats here and I hope Kahlua’s victory will inspire others to participate internationally,” she said.
