By Aida Aziz
IPOH: If there were a special award for diligence and compassion, the iron woman known as Mama Pinky would deserve it.
Not only does she willingly care for and nurture 50 stray cats at her home, but she also feeds dozens of stray dogs around Lahat and Menglembu every night around midnight after returning from work.
Curious about how she manages the expenses of caring for and feeding these strays?
From Thursday to Sunday nights, she dons a clown costume and entertains the public with her talent at the Ipoh Night Market.
This is all done after fulfilling her primary job as a beauty consultant at a health and beauty chain in Station 18 during the day.
Witnessing Nazirah Abdul Rahman’s determination at 47 raises the question, “Isn’t she tired? How can she be so strong late into the night?”
However, her good deeds for animals may well be her ticket to paradise.
When asked about her dedication, Nazirah explained that it stems from her love and compassion for abandoned animals.
“I chose to work part-time as a clown to earn extra money to help stray animals.
“If I relied solely on my salary as a beauty consultant, it wouldn’t be enough, as the costs for food and treatment for the cats are high.
“I’ve been doing this clown work for nearly six years, I’ve looked for other part-time jobs, but the timing didn’t allow it.
“My full-time job ends around 8 to 8:30 PM, so I thought being a clown was the most suitable option for evening work.
“From Thursday to Sunday at 8:30 PM, I come here to work as a clown until midnight, and during school holidays, I do this every night.
“I sought guidance and joined a clown community in Taiping, where I learned things like balloon-making and makeup,” she shared.
When asked about her commitment to caring for strays, she expressed her unwillingness to see them suffer without treatment or food.
“I started rescuing cats eight years ago, initially only taking in healthy ones. Over time, I began to rescue sick cats and bring them home.
“Now, there are about 50 cats in my house and a shelter near my porch, some of which are recovering from illness.
“My husband and children always support what I do, they also help where they can in caring for the strays,” she added.
She explained that her clown work is entirely reliant on donations from the public who buy balloons to help the strays.
The cost of cat food for a month is around RM400 weekly and over RM1,500 monthly, which is similar for stray dogs.
This does not include medical costs for sick cats needing treatment and special diets.
Acknowledging the sarcastic remarks from some who criticize her efforts, Nazirah said it doesn’t dampen her spirit at all.
“Some ask why I focus on helping animals instead of humans. I respond that as long as humans are healthy and capable, they can work.
“We need to have awareness; if there’s no compassion for these abandoned animals, it’s sad because they are hungry and have no food,” she explained.
The most precious memory for her is when someone buys a balloon while donating and thanks her for caring for the strays.
“My hope is for society to feel a little love and sympathy for these animals.
“Most importantly, if you adopt a dog or cat, please spay or neuter them when they’re old enough to prevent overpopulation and the issue of abandoned animals,” she said.
For more information or to make a contribution to help stray animals, you can contact Nazirah at 012-533 5133.
