What began as a journey filled with hope ended in heartbreak on the North-South Expressway.
A van carrying rescued cats and dogs from Melaka’s Star Animal Shelter was on its way to the Oh My Pet Expo at Mid Valley when disaster struck. What was meant to be a day to help abandoned animals find loving homes turned into what rescuers later described as their “ultimate nightmare.”
Three cats were killed, several animals were injured and traumatised, and the shelter’s rescue van was destroyed after it was allegedly hit from behind by a lorry while stopped in the emergency lane. Yet even in the midst of grief, the shelter says its mission is far from over.
A Journey Of Hope Turned Into Horror
According to shelter founder Norashikin Ahmad, the team had left Melaka around 9pm and were travelling along the highway when they noticed something was wrong. They had heard an unusual engine sound and decided to pull over to the side of the road to check the vehicle.
Inside the van were 20 cats and five dogs, all rescued animals being brought to the expo in the hope that some would finally find permanent homes.
“Suddenly, it was like the wind was passing by. It was very fast,” Norashikin recalled in an emotional interview.
The lorry allegedly crashed into the van from behind with such force that the vehicle rolled several metres before overturning into a ditch. Her sister was thrown out of the van. A volunteer remained trapped inside with the animals.
“We ran to the van just to make sure she was still alive,” Norashikin said.
“If you look at the situation, it was really scary. We were afraid she wouldn’t survive.”
As smoke quickly began filling the vehicle, the fear shifted from collision to explosion.
“The smoke was thick. Every time I turned back, I was afraid the van would explode.”
Animals Thrown Into Chaos
The crash left carriers overturned and terrified animals scattered. Some cats escaped onto the highway in the confusion. One dog, 9.9, who had previously survived horrific abuse and lost a leg, also went missing after the crash. For hours, the shelter team and rescuers searched desperately. Then came a small moment of relief. 9.9 was found alive.
A photograph of Norashikin embracing the three-legged dog quickly spread online, moving many social media users to tears. The image became a symbol of both grief and resilience. As of the latest update, 14 cats and four dogs are receiving veterinary treatment for injuries and trauma. Three cats have died. Several others were initially missing, with rescue teams continuing search efforts using traps along the highway and nearby vegetation.
“We hope they can still be found,” the shelter said.
The Van That Kept The Shelter Alive Is Gone
Beyond the emotional devastation, the crash has also crippled the shelter’s daily operations. The van, now believed to be beyond repair, was more than just transport. It was the shelter’s lifeline.
It was used for emergency rescues, vet trips, adoption drives, and transporting animals to safety. Without it, Star Animal Shelter says it may struggle to continue rescuing and rehoming animals.
The shelter is now appealing for urgent public support to raise RM87,000, broken down as follows:
- RM80,000 for a replacement rescue van
- RM5,000 for veterinary treatment
- RM2,000 for damaged carriers and supplies
The team says every ringgit will help them continue saving abandoned and abused animals. Those who wish to help can donate to:
Maybank: 5540 4452 6496
Account Name: Shikin Team Animal
“Even If You Don’t Like Them, Please Don’t Hurt Them”
Despite the tragedy, Norashikin’s message remains one of compassion. Still recovering from the shock, she said the loss of the cats has been especially painful. For rescuers, each animal is family. Each one carries a story of survival. Each one was being taken to Mid Valley for a chance at a new life.
“Treat every living being with compassion,” she said.
“And even if you don’t like these animals, please, at the very least, don’t hurt them.”
In the aftermath of the crash, social media has been flooded with messages of support, prayers, and donations. For now, the shelter says it is focused on healing, finding the remaining missing animals, and somehow moving forward. Because for the animals still waiting to be saved, stopping is not an option.
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