May 5, 2022
KUALA LUMPUR – While most people went back to their hometowns to spend Hari Raya with their loved ones, mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter AJ Pyro (pic) continues to feed stray animals in the state capital here and its surrounding areas.
“It is the same routine for me despite the festive season.
“I still feed the strays every day even when it rains,” said the 46-year-old, whose real name is Jumat Lias Mansor.
Last year, The Star highlighted how he did a stint at a friend’s carwash outlet in a bid to raise funds to feed the strays.
The animal lover has been rescuing sick or injured kittens or cats since he was young, but started to feed the strays when the Covid-19 pandemic hit in early 2020.
Among the areas he covers are Likas, Sembulan, Kepayan and Petagas.
However, as AJ Pyro started to work as a freelance trainer again when Covid-19 restrictions were lifted, as well as taking care of his elderly mother, his time for fundraising activities has been severely curtailed.
“Contributions are still needed as it would require RM300 to RM400 weekly to feed the strays. Right now, there are about 60 to 70 strays I am attending to, in addition to 24 rescued cats under my care.
“Lots of time, money and energy is needed, so I would really appreciate it if the public can assist to adopt, volunteer or donate money to feed these strays,” he said.
He shared that his efforts have not gone without struggle as he depends solely on contributions to keep feeding the strays.
“Some of my close friends and kind strangers have donated. I have set aside some cash from my income as I have started working again but I still need funding to continue.
“There were times when I almost quit feeding and rescuing but when I see the strays starving and dying on the streets, I know I cannot stop,” said AJ Pyro.
He also has a message for pet owners – take care of your pets as if they are a family member.
“Most strays originally have owners. But sometimes, when they become sick, the owners abandon them. I also urge owners to neuter their pets to avoid overpopulation,” he said.
Those who are interested to offer assistance can contact AJ Pyro through his Instagram account (ajpyro) or WhatsApp to 010-931 7869.