Cover image via Ranjeny Krishnansamy (Provided to SAYS)
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Meet Ranjeny Krishnansamy. For her, caring for animals has never been a choice — it has always been a calling.
Based in Kluang, Johor, Ranjeny is not only an independent animal rescuer and stray feeder, but she's also a pet taxi driver, pet sitter, active member of animal advocacy movement Execute AWA, and volunteer at Filbert's Foundation for Furry Friends (F5).
Ranjeny recently shared with SAYS that her deep sense of purpose for animals likely stems from her personal childhood experiences
"I started in primary school, secretly bringing home kittens and puppies in my school bag. I would tell my mom their stories and show them to her after unzipping my bag," she started off fondly.
However, she quickly learned that her bond with animals would also bring many moments of heartbreak and pain. At just 11, Ranjeny witnessed a stray dog she regularly fed shot in front of her — a trauma that stays with her to this day.
As a teenager, after learning that many strays caught by local councils were often put down, she committed herself to taking action.
"I feel like I was chosen to help voiceless beings," she said.
Today, Ranjeny's home serves as a sanctuary for countless rescues
Injured, abandoned, and sick animals find shelter with her until they recover. Some are eventually rehomed, while many spend the rest of their lives under her care.
Speaking to SAYS, Ranjeny shared that beyond dedicating her time, energy, and limited resources to rescuing, feeding, and caring for strays, she is also the primary caregiver for her mother, a stroke survivor. To support herself and her work, she earns a modest income through pet taxi and boarding services.
On top of these responsibilities, Ranjeny battles a chronic illness of her own — fibromyalgia, a condition that causes nerve damage, leading to constant pain and fatigue.
Nonetheless, Ranjeny believes she can't rest until cruelty against strays in Malaysia is replaced with compassion
She hopes the authorities would reject catch-and-kill policies and shift towards more humane and sustainable solutions, and for the public to stop resorting to poisoning and violence when they see animals on the streets.
"Every human has a responsibility for animal welfare. Killing is never a solution. Authorities like the Ministry of Housing and Local Government and local authorities must include NGOs and rescuers in decision-making, ensuring fairness and compassion," she said.
As for Ranjeny, her own vision includes:
– 24/7 veterinary clinics offering tiered pricing or discounts for rescues, strays, and B40 pet owners.
– Shelters in every residential area, managed by residents with municipal support.
– Greater empowerment and funding for animal welfare NGOs, vets, and volunteers.
– Structured systems such as TNRM (Trap-Neuter-Release-Manage) programmes, adoption networks, and pet registration to control overpopulation.
– Education initiatives for children and parents to instil compassion from a young age.
Ranjeny's commitment aligns with Execute AWA — Malaysia's first national humanity mission for greater animal welfare — by the people of Malaysia, for the animals of Malaysia.
This positive and professional community movement champions unity and grassroots collaboration, demands strict enforcement of laws that uphold justice, and advocates for legal reforms to raise the standards of animal rights nationwide.
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