It was a typical hot breezy day in March. After prior joy rides to Noah’s Ark, Ipoh, Cameron Highlands and Muar, we finally arrived at Mersing Jetty in eastern Johor. My “Tua Pek” (eldest uncle in dialect - Hokkien) and his vet friend were on a mission to Pulau Besar’s Mirage Island resort while the rest of us, including my three cousins and my family, tagged along for a less serious cause, a beach resort vacation!
My uncle and his vet friend’s purpose at the resort was to manage the island’s cat over-population issue through a sterilization program. Through no fault of theirs, stray animals had become a nuisance to the local community, overstaying their welcome due to the ever increasing numbers. Many suggestions had been raised on how to reduce the population. However, we at NANAS firmly believe that sterilization is the most humane way of controlling any stray population.
 
After a bumpy boat ride, we finally arrived at the Mirage’s Island resort. Upon our arrival, we were greeted by the happiest smiles from the resort owner and their children. The island is surrounded by amazingly clean, sandy white beach. The water is nice and clear with corals of great varieties. While my uncle and my parents chatted with the resort owner, we had our own lively discussions with their children. They are a really a lovely group of people. They hold high regards for my uncle’s long-term mission through his work at Noah’s Ark and are grateful for his help in controlling the stray cat population through this sterilization program.
My uncle (Left) with the resort owner and a lucky cat.
The sterilization program did not go as smoothly as we wished it would. Most of the female cats were deemed unsuitable for sterilization as they had either just given birth or were pregnant. Nevertheless by the end of the day, the vet managed to sterilize the “suitable” cats with plans for another visit to sterilize those presently pregnant and the newborns. What was amazing was the quick recovery! Many cats were seen playing almost immediately after the surgery.
(Cute, isn’t she?)
It was not just all work and no play for my uncle. Even though the mission was to sterilize the island’s cats, he did not neglect us by bringing us island -hopping. My cousins and I went snorkeling and were amazed by the wide diversity of marine life. We were so immersed with the marine life that we almost forgot to come up for air. I had loads of fun considering that it was the first time I hung out with my uncle and cousins. It was very therapeutic - swimming or simply lying on the sand basking under the rays of the late-afternoon sun. Before we knew it, the boatman was calling us as he needed to ferry us back to the resort before sunset. After the amazing 3-day experience, those are some precious moments etched deeply in my memory. Thank you to everyone in the family; my parents, my “Tua Pek”, my cousins and my sibling for “hijacking” me away from the thrill-less routine of the daily school life.
I would like to have a special mention for my “Tua Pek” - for showing me how remarkable he is, through his continued passion, dedication and self-sacrifice for the animals. He taught me a valuable lesson that I will never find in the classroom.
My “Tua Pek” has always been kind and patient with me, my siblings and my cousins. Not only has he helped me to improve my unsatisfactory academic results through books but also taught me on how to handle life. “Tua Pek”, you and my parents have instilled precious values in me and helped me set goals in life. I will make sure that I make all of you proud as a nephew and son.
You have my deepest gratitude.
Love,
Timmy
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