SPCA Ipoh Celebrates a New Beginning at Its 41st Annual Charity Dinner

For the Ipoh Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA Ipoh), this year’s annual charity dinner was far more than a fundraising event. It was an evening that celebrated resilience, compassion and an unwavering commitment to giving a voice to animals that cannot speak for themselves.

Held at Exquisite Seafood Restaurant, Ipoh, the 41st Annual Charity Dinner brought together around 850 guests. Supporters from all walks of life, including donors, sponsors, volunteers, business leaders, community organisations and long-time advocates for animal welfare, filled the ballroom with one common purpose: ensuring that abandoned, injured and abused animals continue to receive the care and protection they deserve.

The overwhelming turnout served as a powerful reminder that kindness remains alive in the community.

A Moment of Reflection and Remembrance

At the start of the evening, guests observed a minute of silence in honour of the late Datuk Dr Madhuri Majumder, the founding force behind SPCA Ipoh. Datuk Dr M. Majumder was Malaysia’s first woman dermatologist, a widely respected humanitarian and community leader. She passed away on 13 May 2026 at the age of 93.

It was a deeply emotional moment that reminded everyone present of the organisation’s roots and the vision she established more than four decades ago. Her legacy continues to live on through the endeavours of ISPCA today.

A Journey Built on Compassion

For more than four decades, ISPCA has quietly carried out work that many people never see.

From rescuing injured animals and caring for abandoned pets to advocating for stronger animal welfare policies, the organisation has remained steadfast in its mission despite countless challenges along the way.

stage performance by SPCA Ipoh spokesperson Datin Caroline Wong (L)

Every rescued puppy, every rehabilitated stray, and every successful adoption represents the dedication of volunteers who have refused to turn away from animals in need.

Addressing guests during the dinner, ISPCA President Ricky Soong reflected on the society’s remarkable journey, saying, “Forty-one years ago, ISPCA was founded to stand up for animals that cannot speak for themselves. That mission has never changed.”

He reminded guests that while the road has often been difficult, the organisation has always remained true to its purpose.

A Year That Tested SPCA Ipoh Like Never Before

While the evening celebrated 41 years of service, it also acknowledged one of the most turbulent chapters in the organisation’s history.

Last October, SPCA Ipoh took legal action after several stray dogs were allegedly buried alive following an enforcement operation. The organisation stepped forward to seek justice for the voiceless, believing that animal welfare must always be defended through lawful and responsible means.

However, while the legal proceedings were underway, SPCA Ipoh encountered an unexpected administrative crisis.

The Registrar of Societies (ROS) temporarily suspended the society’s registration over alleged incomplete annual submissions, which led to the freezing of its bank account and forced the legal action to be withdrawn.

For many organisations, such circumstances could have marked the end. For SPCA Ipoh, it became the beginning of an even stronger resolve.

Rather than giving up, committee members painstakingly reorganised years of documentation, prepared fresh submissions and appealed directly to the Registrar of Societies’ headquarters in Putrajaya.

After nearly six months of review, the authorities confirmed that ISPCA’s meeting minutes, financial reports, and administrative records fully complied with all regulatory requirements.

In June this year, the society officially regained its legal status.

Even more significantly, the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN) renewed ISPCA’s tax-exempt donation status for another ten years, from 2026 to 2036. This reinforced public confidence in the organisation’s governance, transparency and accountability.

singing performance by Joni Tham of Groove Society

“If It Is Right, We Must Continue”

One of the evening’s most heartfelt moments came as Ricky Soong shared the emotional journey behind SPCA Ipoh’s reinstatement.

He admitted that there were moments when the future seemed uncertain. The suspension of the society’s registration, frozen bank accounts, and legal setbacks created enormous pressure, yet he drew strength from the encouragement of senior advisers who reminded him that standing up for justice is never easy.

cake cutting and toast to celebrate SPCA Ipoh's 41st anniversary — cake cutting and toast to celebrate SPCA Ipoh’s 41st anniversary

He recalled being told: If you believe it is the right thing to do, then continue.

Those simple words became a source of courage during one of the organisation’s darkest periods.

Soong also paid tribute to the committee members, volunteers, and countless anonymous supporters who quietly kept SPCA Ipoh going during those difficult months.

Some organised fundraising efforts, others donated generously without seeking recognition, and many simply continued believing in the organisation when it mattered most.

“The applause tonight belongs to every person who stood behind us,” he said, acknowledging the many supporters whose names may never appear in the headlines but whose kindness kept the society going.

A Community United by Kindness

This year’s charity dinner demonstrated just how deeply the community believes in SPCA Ipoh’s mission.

Within just one month, all available dinner tables had been fully booked, while more than 40 companies, businesses, and individuals stepped forward with sponsorships and contributions.

These achievements were never simply about attendance figures. Instead, they reflected something far more meaningful. Each ticket purchased, every sponsorship secured, every donation received, and every volunteer who offered their time represented another act of compassion that would ultimately benefit animals in need.

As SPCA Ipoh reminded guests throughout the evening, every contribution, regardless of size, helps provide rescue, medical treatment, rehabilitation, food, and hope for countless stray and abandoned animals.

A Call for Stronger Animal Protection Through ExecuteAWA

During the evening, a representative from ExecuteAWA, a movement advocating for stronger enforcement and awareness of the Animal Welfare Act 2015, took to the stage to share its mission with guests. The presentation highlighted the importance of public participation in strengthening animal protection efforts in Malaysia, encouraging members of the audience to register and support the cause through its online petition.

The initiative centres on building a more structured and accountable system for animal welfare, while uniting animal lovers, advocates and concerned citizens who believe in justice, compassion and responsible coexistence. It also calls attention to the need for greater awareness of the challenges faced by stray and abandoned animals and the importance of collective action in driving meaningful change.

Looking Ahead with Renewed Purpose

Having successfully regained its legal standing, SPCA Ipoh now enters a new chapter with renewed determination.

The society intends to continue expanding its rescue operations, strengthening public education on responsible pet ownership and advocating for humane animal management across Malaysia.

Particular emphasis will remain on the TNVRM (Trap, Neuter, Vaccinate, Return and Manage) programme, which promotes long-term, humane solutions for managing stray animal populations.

ISPCA also pledged to continue speaking up whenever animal welfare is threatened, while encouraging more organisations and members of the public to stand together in protecting vulnerable animals.

As Soong noted, meaningful change can only happen when more people are willing to become advocates for the voiceless.

A Heartfelt Thank You

Throughout the evening, one message resonated above all others: gratitude.

The Board of Committees expressed its sincere appreciation to every guest, donor, sponsor, volunteer, partner, and supporter who has accompanied SPCA Ipoh throughout its 41-year journey.

It is this spirit of humility, together with the generosity of the community, that has enabled ISPCA to weather difficult times and emerge even stronger.