Whether you’re racking your brain over what to do with a wardrobe that’s filled with clothes that no longer spark joy or are just itching to experiment with a new aesthetic, it’s always a good time to add something new to the closet.

While it can be all too easy to lean on fast fashion for that, the wiser (and more ethical) choice would be to curate pieces that are both thoughtfully designed and made. Increasingly, Malaysian fashion labels are putting emphasis on craftsmanship, individuality, and at reasonable price points, to boot. Here are nine Malaysian designer brands to check out on your next trip to Kuala Lumpur.

1. SAOI

Saoi – the Irish Gaelic word which means “to grow wiser” – is a reflection of founder Wan Nur Syaira’s personal journey of intentional evolution and design maturity. Different from her earlier solo venture WNS Studio, Saoi is a concerted effort by the stylish influencer and her creative team.

The brand’s timeless essentials marry meticulous craftsmanship with an off-duty model sensibility. Think linen button-downs, pleated trousers, and slip dresses in neutral colours. And don’t forget to check out their super popular oversized handbags as well. 

Where: 12, Jalan Abdullah, Bangsar, 59000 Kuala Lumpur. Open every day from 11am to 6pm.

2. SPIRIT ANIMAL CO

If “heritage meets modern” is an aesthetic that resonates with you, then Spirit Animal Co is your calling. The brand puts a contemporary spin on traditional Chinese dresses such as the cheongsam and qipao, weaving in ethnic Malaysian touches through batik and songket motifs. 

The brand boldly claims to be Malaysia’s first fashion label to launch a batik cheongsam series. The batik-songket fabric that merges Malay and Chinese artistry into one innovative textile debuted in 2023. 

According to founder Miki Lam, both batik and batik-songket are a way of weaving her personal stories into her designs. Batik-songket is a reflection of Lam’s mental health healing journey, while batik pays homage to how her grandma blended tradition and modern living by donning the fabric daily. Every Spirit Animal Co garment is lovingly handmade by local seamstresses in limited runs. 

Where: The Hub SS2, 19 Sentral, Jalan Harapan, Seksyen 19, 47300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor. Book an in-person shopping experience here. 

3. REDBEAN CLOSET

Playful, girlish and unapologetically whimsical, RedBean Closet turns everyday dressing into an act of youthful self-expression. 

Pastel palettes, lace trims, ribbons, and heart motifs are hallmarks of the brand’s aesthetic. Think jeans stitched with oversized hearts, cropped blazers with scalloped lapels, and lace spaghetti strap tops with detachable ruffles. A major selling point here is that most items are sold as separates, making them easy to mix, match and style according to your mood or your latest Pinterest board.

Where: 35A, Jalan 21/12, Seapark Kuala Lumpur, 46300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor. Open from 11.30am to 5pm (Tuesday to Friday) and 11.30am to 6pm (Saturday and Sunday).

4. CELESTE

This female-founded brand crafts effortless style for the everyday woman. Celeste specialises in modest yet timeless silhouettes. Its collection of baju kurung sets, long-sleeved maxi dresses, and flowy skirts balances comfort and sophistication, making them ideal for both festive seasons and everyday wear.

Expect soft fabrics like satin and chiffon in neutral or abstract prints and tailoring that subtly accentuates the figure without compromising modesty. Each garment is made locally in small runs, reinforcing Celeste’s commitment to conscious design over fast fashion.

Where: Damai Hillpark, Jalan Damai Perdana 6/1F, Bandar Damai Perdana, 56000 Cheras, Kuala Lumpur. Open from 10am to 4pm, Monday to Friday, closed on weekends.

5. LOVE, THALIA

Sister brand to Celeste, Love, Thalia leans towards dreamy and romantic designs. The label offers a range of flowy blouses and figure-skimming maxi skirts in pastel hues and floral prints to bring out your inner child

Its standout lace-up chiffon top that takes you from brunch to date night – available in soft florals and neutral shades – is a fan favourite. Another signature piece is the lace-up cotton corset that sculpts the wearer in a cinch. 

Where: Damai Hillpark, Jalan Damai Perdana 6/1F, Bandar Damai Perdana, 56000 Cheras, Kuala Lumpur. Open from 10am to 4pm from Monday to Friday, closed on weekends.

6. MOTOGUO

Eccentric and always colouring outside of the box, Motoguo is the brainchild of creative directors Moto Guo and Kinder Eng, as well as, business partner, Jay Perry Ang. What began as a menswear label has since evolved into a genderless one in which collections push the boundaries of gender, fashion, and fluidity. 

The brand turned dopamine decor into a fashion concept with long-sleeved tube dresses that are designed to look like colour pencils, blouses that are made to resemble 1980s wrapping paper, and surreal silhouettes that blur the lines between art and apparel. Loved by fashion-forward crowds and feted by the LGBTQ+ community, it’s a brand made for the kids who grew up colouring outside the lines. 

Where: Strand Mall, 35, Jalan PJU 5/20a, Kota Damansara, 47810 Petaling Jaya, Selangor. Open from 11am to 7pm on weekdays, closed on weekends.

7. KANOEWEAR

Drawing inspiration from the urban tropical jungle of Kuala Lumpur, Kanoewear draws from Indo-Malayan influences to create batik pieces in both classic and updated silhouettes, like halter tops, wrap dresses, pario skirts, and cheongsams. 

Each print is produced in collaboration with local batik artisans – only one or two pieces are made per design, making every garment truly one-of-a-kind. Kanoewear also works with refugee communities through fair-trade organisations, ensuring each item is crafted both beautifully and ethically. Leftover fabrics are repurposed into pouches and scrunchies, reflecting its zero-waste ethos.

Where: RexKL, 80 Jalan Sultan, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Open from 10am to 6pm (Monday to Friday) and 11am to 7.30pm (on Saturday and Sunday).

G-36 The Campus, Lot 7706, Jalan Kolam Air Lama, 68000 Ampang, Selangor. By appointment only.

8. GHOSTBOY CLUB

Founded in 2021 by designer David Han and model Cyii Cheng, Ghostboy Club has quickly become one of Malaysia’s hottest exports, with stockists in Singapore, America, Australia and France. Its edgy, rebellious spirit draws from youth culture, club and rave scenes, which is reflected in skin-baring silhouettes, metal hardware, and tailored streetwear. In summary: It’s fashion with bite. 

Those with a more laidback style need not be intimidated though. Take a closer look and you’ll find plenty of everyday staples like the soft, oversized Dazed Knit Hoodie and the universally flattering Core Tank. 

Where: 135A, Jalan SS 2/6, SS 2, 47300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor. Open from11am to 8pm (Friday to Sunday), closed from Monday to Thursday.

9. NEO

Founded by former fashion buyers, the brand started out in Johor Bahru in 2022 working on menswear. Over time, they set up shop at Kuala Lumpur’s stylish Chow Kit district and evolved into a gender-neutral label championing self-expression and fluidity in fashion.

Now, Neo covers just about every dress code: cropped hoodies and shirt dresses for off-duty days, tailored leather jackets and asymmetric tulle skirts for statement nights, and experimental blazers with peekaboo cut-outs and tailored bell bottoms for those who see the world as their runway. 

Beyond apparel, you’ll also find shoes and accessories that round out the brand's nonbinary and avant-garde aesthetic, such as metal chains, ties, and leather boots.

Where: #G-11 Block A, Jalan Jaya Putra 1/1, 81100 Johor Bahru. Open daily from 11am to 8pm. 

A0108, Blok A Eko Galleria, Jalan Eko Botani 3, Taman Eko Botani, 79100 Iskandar Puteri, Johor Darul Ta'zim. Open daily from 11am to 8pm.

No 23, Jalan Doraisamy, Chow Kit, 50300 Kuala Lumpur. Open daily from 11am to 8pm.

KUALA LUMPUR: No one would have expected a conflict in Malaysia’s smallest legislative state assembly, Perlis, to become a flashpoint for the opposition coalition’s deepest rift. In the 2022 state election, the Perikatan Nasional (PN) coalition, consisting of the religious conservative Parti Islam Se-Malaysia (PAS) and indigenous-Malay-focused party Bersatu, won all but one seat. 

Yet, a crack in its stronghold has rattled all the way to the top: Bersatu chairman and former Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin resigned as PN chairman on Jan 1 amid a series of other high-profile Bersatu resignations. PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang said last week that his party was ready to take over as chair of the opposition coalition. 

Things started unravelling at the end of December, when eight state assemblymen (five Bersatu and three PAS) withdrew their support for the PAS chief minister, resulting in the chief minister losing the confidence of the majority. PAS sacked the three state assemblymen involved and urged Bersatu to do the same – the latter did not. 

Shortly after a Bersatu chief minister was appointed in place, PAS leaders made cryptic social media posts about backstabbing and “betrayal [that] must not go unpunished”. The party also said it would not be part of the new state executive council.

Such a split is more consequential now as 2026 is widely treated as an election preparation year. Politicians will aim to use the series of state elections as a testing ground for the general election that must be called by 2028 but could be as early as this year or next. 

The coalition choices that PAS and Bersatu make will directly affect their winning chances. A divided opposition is a weaker election opponent. 

SIMMERING TENSIONS

It has been obvious since 2022 that PAS does not believe that Bersatu brings anything valuable to the table. PAS’ four-state governance council (SG4) marginalised Bersatu from the start, indicating that the latter does not feature in the former’s long-term plans. 

When Bersatu’s renegade members switched sides to support the unity government in 2023, PAS made no attempts to defend them. Bersatu also no longer brings financial support to the coalition since its accounts were frozen and seized in 2023 in a corruption probe. PAS likely no longer thinks such support is essential, especially after making electoral breakthroughs in unexpected places like Sabah without Bersatu’s funding. 

The leadership tussle within Bersatu, aimed at removing its prime ministerial candidate, Mr Muhyiddin, has weakened Bersatu’s appeal, at a time when PAS is seriously considering its candidates as capable of being national figures. 

PAS is, after all, the largest party in parliament with 43 seats, whereas Bersatu only has slightly more than half (24 seats), of which four were won under the PAS flag. It would be easy for PAS to assume that Bersatu is the one profiting from the coalition.

LOOKING FOR NEXT COALITION PARTNER?

Not that PAS has a good coalition track record either. In its 75-year history, it has been part of at least 10 coalitions, without lasting more than five years on average. It has worked with almost all the mainstream political parties, including the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) and Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR).

Its current coalition, PN, is already one of the longest-lasting. It is reasonable to assume that on its sixth-year mark, cracks will show. When that happens, PAS will once again be finding another partner. 

This time, PAS senior party leaders are reviving the old dream of partnering with the oldest Malay party, UMNO, once more as part of the Muafakat Nasional accord. UMNO’s youth chief has celebrated this idea, though its highest leadership have given no signals thus far. 

Notwithstanding how short-lived the last accord was (barely a year), this green-and-red concept is attractive to both parties. It plays to a highly emotive sentiment among Malay voters of “uniting the ummah”. A partnership that could unite the two largest Malay-Muslim parties could also unite the Malay-Muslim population and its destiny. 

The only problem, of course, is that this is highly impractical for the fundamental reason that PAS and UMNO compete for the same Malay-majority seats. At the same time, both party leaders do not intend to share the leadership position with the other; both parties also believe that they are on the ascend and would one day seek to dominate the rest. 

PAS and UMNO both have grounds to believe these, even though both realities cannot be true at the same time. To some extent, both parties know this. That is why they have never formalised a coalition beyond high-level narrative cooperation.

SHORING UP THE NARRATIVE

That said, such a possibility should not be ruled out, because both parties need positive news to distract from bigger issues now. 

After the second conviction of former leader Najib Razak in the largest 1MDB-related trial, UMNO can no longer sidestep the wishes of its grassroots to leave the unity government. As the general election approaches, with a series of state elections preceding it, UMNO will also benefit from an indigenous Malay-Muslim narrative to distance itself from Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s coalition, especially after its poor Sabah results. 

Whether or not UMNO leaves the government is less material to its ability to shore up narrative support among Malay voters.

For PAS, moving closer to UMNO now is opportunistic after Mr Muhyiddin and his senior leaders have resigned from their coalition positions. While PAS could install its leaders, they know there is an inherent risk of national rejection without the backing of a more moderate Malay party. At the same time, even if the Muafakat Nasional accord does not turn into a formal coalition for elections, showing Bersatu that it has options is good for PAS. 

Ultimately, UMNO and PAS are fairweather friends who are willing to work with each other as long as the partnership is not serious. Contesting an election together will likely generate animosity and intense quarrelling. 

Both will likely have more advantageous outcomes if they were to stay where they are. But as the 16th General Election looms, every party is looking for any advantage it can get. 

James Chai is a Visiting Fellow at ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, with a newsletter on global affairs. He writes a monthly column for CNA, published every second Friday.

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's 100-year-old former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad will not undergo surgery for a hip fracture sustained from a fall at home due to his age, his son said on Wednesday (Jan 7).

Mahathir has suffered health problems in recent years and was previously hospitalised for fatigue after a picnic celebration for his centenary in July.

He was taken conscious by ambulance to the National Heart Institute in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday after the fall at his home, his aide Sufi Yusoff told AFP.

Doctors confirmed a fracture to his right hip, and the former premier was expected to stay in the hospital "for the next few weeks for treatment and observation", according to Sufi.

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The patriarch's son Mukhriz on Wednesday said Mahathir fell inside the house after his daily brisk walking exercise.

"Especially considering his age, which has now reached 100 ... therefore, surgery is not a good option," Mukhriz said in a video posted on his political party's WhatsApp group chat.

"As such, we have been advised by hospital specialists for him to undergo a standard rehabilitation process, which will take some time.

"The goal, of course, is for him to return to his usual state of health and to be able to continue carrying out his duties as he has done all this while," he added.

Mukhriz also thanked those who conveyed their well-wishes as well as prayers, and appealed for privacy.

"I plead with everyone to give Tun Mahathir the space to rest and to fully recover and heal," he said.

On Tuesday, Mahathir's daughter Marina was quoted by national news agency Bernama as saying that her father's injury was "serious but not dangerous".

In a text message to AFP, she added: "Dad's okay, but hip fractures are always a pain regardless of how old you are. At 100, any fall, any fracture is bad ... so it will take time to heal."

The political veteran has previously undergone bypass surgeries for heart problems.

He was prime minister from 1981 until 2003, and again from 2018 to 2020.

He reached the age of 94 during his second stint and was the world's oldest elected leader at the time.

Given how close we are to Johor Bahru, it is easy for many of us to plan day trips or weekend getaways there. From thrift shops and theme parks to nail salons and shopping malls, the city offers a variety of attractions and things to do, catering to all types of travellers.

For those of us in need of pampering body treatments, you’ll be delighted to know that our friendly neighbour is home to numerous spas and massage parlours. 

Explore five top massage and hair spas that promise a range of relaxing experiences cherished by locals and visitors alike, to spark your interest for your next trip. 

1. 38°C ONSEN SPA

Love Japan’s onsen culture but can’t seem to find time to travel? Consider checking out this Japan-themed onsen spa. Kickstart your visit by slipping into a kimono – you can even choose from an assortment of floral hairpins, drawstring bags, and fans that will complete your outfit. 

Once you are satisfied with your selfies, it is time to enjoy the private onsen. The mineral-rich bath here is at a comfortable 38°C,which is said to be perfect for a relaxing soak. Next, surrender yourselves to the massage bed for a one-hour full body massage. Visitors of 38°C Onsen Spa have praised it for the great experience, clean environment and five-star service. The spa also has a branch in Kuala Lumpur. 

Prices start from RM398/S$125 per person. 

Where: Akademik Suite, Block A #G-05, Jalan Austin Heights Utama, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru. 

2. TANG RETREAT

Just 10 minutes from the Johor Bahru checkpoint, Tang Retreat offers a variety of stress-busting targeted treatments, including aromatherapy body massage, herbal bath, and head spa. The wellness centre uses Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) wisdom and applies it in its treatments to target specific body concerns. 

Since its opening in March, Tang Retreat has gained popularity on TikTok, thanks to viral videos posted by KOLs and other online users. Customers who have tried out their services love its beautifully designed interiors, skilled massage therapists and clean environment. 

One of its most popular treatments is the Royal Herbal Bath, which uses herbs that are freshly prepared by Chinese physicians daily. The 60-minute soak helps promote better circulation and muscle relaxation. 

Prices start from RM112/$35 for a 60-minute Classic Body Massage. 

Where: 66 Jalan Kuning, Taman Pelangi, 80400 Johor Bahru.

3. THAI ODYSSEY

Launched in 2004, Thai Odyssey has expanded into one of Malaysia’s largest Thai massage spa chains. To date, there are more than 50 outlets in Malaysia. Besides being easily accessible, Thai Odyssey has also won countless awards over the years, including being named the Best Luxury City Spa in Southeast Asia 2025 by the World Luxury Spa Awards.  

As its name suggests, this spa is inspired by Thai hospitality and massage techniques. The massages here include dry and oil-based options for a therapeutic experience. Fans of the parlour recommend this massage chain for its authentic knot-releasing Thai massages and warm Thai-style service. 

Prices start from RM140/S$44 for a 60-minute Thai Traditional Massage. 

Where: MF-20, Innercity Level 3, Ibrahim International Business District, Johor Bahru City Square, Jalan Wong Ah Fook, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80888 Johor Bahru.

4. Y SPA & WELLNESS

Stiff muscles are common, especially for urbanites who are desk-bound every day. The solution: A Deep Tissue Massage at Y Spa & Wellness, targeted at those who spend long hours sitting at their computers. 

Besides the human touch, there is also a Signature Machine Massage that delivers over 20,000 pulses per second to loosen muscle tension and reduce signs of swelling. Those who are battling poor sleep patterns can turn to the outlet’s Imperial Herbal Bath. It uses 38 herbal ingredients to support deep detoxification, balance gut health, and relieve fatigue. For females, there is also Uterus Care Therapy, which is said to regulate blood circulation and promote better inner balance. 

Prices start from RM99/S$31 for a 60-minute Deep Tissue Massage.

Where: 35, Jalan Ponderosa 2/2, Taman Ponderosa, 81100 Johor Bahru.

5. THE GEM WELLNESS

Looking for an all-in-one spa that provides a pampering head-to-toe experience? Head over to The Gem Wellness, which offers a menu that includes massages, body scrubs, facials and ear candling. 

There are various body massage options, including Thai- and Balinese-style treatments. Besides massages, you can also try the body scrubs here; you can pick from 24K imperial gold, Himalayan sea salt, Japanese green tea, Javanese Lulur, and coffee scrubs. 

If you are plagued by frequent headaches, the Natural Herbs Head Treatment is your go-to. It uses natural herbs to relieve stress and headaches while detoxifying the scalp. Many of its visitors have given five-star ratings on Google, citing the ambience, excellent service, and massage as reasons for their recommendations. 

Prices start from RM259/S$81 for a 60-minute Balinese massage. 

Where: Emerald Bay, 6 Persiaran Bayu Mutiara, Puteri Harbour, 79000 Johor Bahru.

On a Saturday morning during the December school holidays, I sat in a car inching along a jammed Causeway, en route to Johor Bahru (JB) in Malaysia.

Instead of shopping, eating or one of the many leisure activities available in the city, on this day I was tagging along on a mission: feeding starving stray cats.

My mission leader: Ms Nur Amira Jumali, 34, a Singaporean marriage counsellor at a non-profit organisation by day and cat benefactor at all other hours.

She apologised for making me share the backseat with a precarious pile of cat supplies – but given that her car boot was already filled to overflowing with even more cat supplies, there was little to be done.

This was a mini-expedition for me, but for Ms Amira, it's a weekly routine she has kept up with almost religiously since late 2022.

Back then, her plan for what she calls "this JB cat thing" had been simply to feed strays and conduct small-scale trap-neuter-return (TNR) exercises.

Now, she runs a shelter that houses more than 80 cats – way over its intended capacity of 50. She also financially supports more than 50 other cats spread out over the veterinary clinic and various fosterers, on top of doing monthly TNR exercises.

While there are no official figures for the stray cat population in JB, a 2021 estimate by Mordor Intelligence put the number of cats in Malaysia at about five million. An earlier 2019 estimate indicated that only about 658,000 cats in the country were owned by humans.

Ms Amira put the number of cats that she has helped in the last three years to be at least 1,000. This didn't come cheap, though. She figured that the amount spent so far on these efforts may be in the tens of thousands of Singapore dollars.

"I KNOW WHAT IT FEELS LIKE"

It was a bit of a curveball when the self-professed "crazy cat lady" confessed that she had not grown up loving cats.

Having been brought up without any pets, her interest was piqued during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020 by a slew of cat posts online. This was when she adopted her first feline.

When she found out by chance that one of her counselling clients had too many cats at home, she immediately took in two of them and paid for the other cats' sterilisations.

She began contributing whenever she saw animal-related donation appeals online. She set up a separate bank account, which she labelled "projecthelpmeow" – the name her cat welfare efforts are known by – and set aside a portion of her monthly salary to put into this account.

Sometime in late 2022, a friend took her to JB to procure cheaper pet supplies for her own cats.

Not being a frequent visitor to JB, she was taken aback by the state of the stray animals there. "I saw so many unsterilised cats, kittens everywhere, malnourished cats, pregnant cats," she said.

She fed as many as she could that day – about two dozen – but she knew it would ultimately be more effective to control the stray population the way cat welfare groups and shelters do in Singapore, through sterilisation.

However, any further plans of action had to be shelved as she was tied up completing her master's degree in counselling at the time.

In January 2023, on another sojourn to JB, she came across a box of about 10 newly abandoned kittens. She posted photos of them online, hoping that a kindhearted local would take them in.

She told me that despite the post "going viral", she returned a week later to find the cats unadopted. Sadly, a few had died.

She took it upon herself to get the rest sterilised. The next month, she started doing frequent TNRs for other strays in the area.

Being familiar with the cat welfare scene in Singapore, I'm aware that despite online outreach efforts, many animals in need simply never get adopted.

While do-gooders can and do sometimes take things into their own hands, Ms Amira's situation is not so simple, given that she's not even based in Malaysia.

I asked why she did not simply continue spreading the word online, rather than going so far out of her way.

"I know how it feels to not know when my next meal will be," she said.

Growing up, there were days she walked more than half an hour to her polytechnic for classes because she had no money for the bus fare. On one occasion, she recalls how finding S$2 (about US$1.60) on the floor "felt like striking a lottery". She used it to buy snacks to last her a few days.

Such experiences, she said, had motivated her to take up work in the social services sector, and help the cats to the best of her ability.

"Whenever I come across someone or something in need, I feel compelled to take action instead of waiting around."

THE COST OF CHARITY

When we arrived in JB, the moment Ms Amira alighted from her car at one of the usual spots where she routinely feeds cats, a couple of cats were already approaching her. 

They were clearly familiar with her, meowing expectantly as she swiftly dished out wet food, filled up a big container of dry kibble and refilled a big bowl of water. Within an hour, she had fed about two dozen cats, each one skinnier than the last.

As they ate, she carefully checked each one for any visible signs of sickness, injury and whether their ears were tipped – an indicator of whether they had been neutered or not. With the help of a friend who arrived a few hours later, she trapped six of them for neutering and medical attention.

When the food that she had packed into the market trolley ran out, she went to buy more from a nearby pet shop. I could not follow as I had a lapful of three strays all asking for affection.

Ms Amira's monthly expenses for her cat mission have ballooned through the years, from an average of about S$1,000 a month in 2023 to close to S$3,000 monthly now – a mix of public donations and her own funds.

Still to come: a veterinarian's bill for this whole year's TNR efforts and related medical expenses for the cats, which she reckoned would come to "at least S$10,000".

On top of that is the roughly S$10,000 she spent on building and renovating a shelter last year for cats that the vet advised against re-releasing into the streets.

Ms Amira is planning to move operations out of the current shelter and build a bigger one in order to house more strays – an endeavour she estimated would cost her at least S$200,000. This includes the cost of buying a small plot of land; renting space is out of the question because she does not want to risk eviction.

"I'm thinking long-term," she said.

So far, Ms Amira has managed to finance her operation by digging into her own savings, forgoing holidays and selling money envelopes during Hari Raya.

She prefers this over just making public appeals for donations – which she rarely does, she said – because she believes in putting in her own efforts to support her own welfare project.

She also feels guilty about "diverting" donations from the many feeders and rescuers in Singapore who are also in dire need.

Just this month, she set up her own online pet supplies shop, Supermarcat, to bring in more money for her JB cat operation.

And her biggest endeavour yet: selling her car.

"I had planned to keep driving my car until the end of the COE, but priorities have changed," she said, referring to the validity of the Certificate of Entitlement needed to own a car in Singapore.

She hopes the money raised from selling her car will help achieve her fundraising goals a lot faster, though she acknowledged that she will probably have to "rely on my friends' kindness" to make her routine sojourns to JB with cat supplies in tow. 

SACRIFICING DREAMS AND AMBITIONS

The never-ending toll on her bank account is just the beginning of the many sacrifices Ms Amira is making for her cause.

First, between her full-time job and the cat shelter, she has almost no time for rest or leisure.

After a long day of counselling – which, she said, is often "emotionally draining" – she spends each evening working on her online shop or the shelter and liaising with the vet clinic on ongoing cases.

Her weekly trips to JB burn through most of her weekends, too. She typically sets off from her home in Punggol early in the morning to feed strays, buy cat supplies, clean the shelter and tend to its occupants before returning home around midnight.

"I don't have a social life," she said plainly.

She had also planned to pursue a PhD after completing her master's. But now, she has neither the time nor the capacity.

"I'm not saying that this is a bad thing … but there's still that sense of loss. Like, you work so hard, (then) something else happens and changes life's course."

Her story is reminiscent of those of many other cat helpers I have spoken to in Singapore. Very often, such a journey may start by chance but snowballs rapidly beyond one's expectations – with seemingly no way out.

Despite the inroads Ms Amira has made, her task appears to be a Sisyphean one. The day we visited JB, shop workers in the vicinity lamented to her about sightings of new stray cats.

"I would like to believe it's just a postponement," she said of her plans to further her studies. "But I don't see how I can continue in the very near future if I have to do everything myself."

Ms Amira counts her blessings for the community support that she does get: A cat supplier in Singapore who occasionally donates cat food, as well as a pet food supplier and a vet clinic in JB that give her preferential rates.

Most of the help she has received comes from Singaporeans, including donors and some regulars who tag along on her monthly TNR trips.

Ms Rashida Hakimin, 32, a Malaysian who now manages Ms Amira's shelter, said that she had already been helping cats on her own dime for the last 10 years – fostering strays in the most dire situations and sterilising two to three cats a month.

For her, it was "destiny" that she came across Ms Amira's social media posts in early 2023, when she herself was running low on funds to help the cats.

It's a "great relief" for Ms Rashida now that she and Ms Amira can pool their resources to help even more stray cats in need.

"The burden I felt, I now don't have to shoulder it alone."

Hardly any other Malaysians have offered Ms Amira help dealing with the problem in their own backyard.

Instead of support, she often receives negative feedback and comments online.

Some online users chide her for going "against nature" by sterilising cats and depriving them of the basic ability to procreate. This is despite guidance from the Islamic religious authorities in Singapore, Selangor and the Federal Territories of Malaysia stating that the neutering of animals is permissible to prevent harm.

"If we don't (neuter), more kittens will be born on the streets and have to live a life of suffering," she said.

Shortly after she said this, a young stray dashed across the road and narrowly missed being hit by a car, demonstrating the real dangers that cats face on the streets.

Ms Amira occasionally receives demands from members of the public to rescue stray cats from the streets.

"They will say things like, 'You raise funds from the public and now, you cannot even tend to a request from the public?'," she said.

"Expecting me to rescue the cats when I do not have the capacity is really heartbreaking, because I really want to help. And I feel so bad, because I can't."

Ms Amira hopes to find a partner to bring on board so that she can help more cats, more sustainably. At the very least, she said, she would be able to visit JB every alternate week instead.

Till then, she relies on her own grit and passion for living creatures to keep her going.

"There are moments when I feel like I can't do this anymore. It's super tiring," she confessed.

"But if I were to give up on the cats, nobody else would step up and make sure they're okay. And I don't believe in abandoning those that need me the most."

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia ⁠Airports said on Tuesday (Dec 23) that a global passenger processing ‍system ⁠used ‍by multiple airlines worldwide was "fully restored" after it experienced a temporary disruption.

"The system provider has fully restored the global passenger processing system at our airports, and check-in and boarding operations across our airports have resumed normal operations," the airport operator said in a statement posted on Facebook.

"Airport and airline teams will continue to monitor the situation to ensure smooth processing. We thank travellers for their patience and cooperation during the incident."

About two hours earlier, Malaysia Airports said that the disruption could "impact check-in and boarding processes".

"Airlines in Malaysia Airports have activated contingency procedures, and airport teams are on hand to assist with passenger processing where needed," it said, adding that self-service kiosks were fully operational.