Yayasan Sime Darby (YSD), through funding from the Ministry of Finance (MOF), today officially commemorated the contribution of a new Toyota Hiace to Shikin's Team Animal Shelter (STAR), replacing its rescue van that was damaged beyond repair in a highway accident in April while transporting rescued animals to an adoption drive in Kuala Lumpur. Beyond funding the replacement vehicle, the support also covered flooring modifications and the installation of a rear dash camera, enhancing the functionality, safety and efficiency of STAR's animal rescue operations. 

Since being provided to STAR more than two months ago, the new vehicle has played a vital role in the organisation's operations, supporting the rescue and transport of nearly 300 animals and facilitating their journey towards treatment, rehabilitation and rehoming. The vehicle has restored a critical operational capability, enabling STAR to respond swiftly and safely to rescue missions, as well as support emergency and disaster relief efforts when needed. 

The need for sustained animal welfare efforts remains evident. According to the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS), 6,423 complaints investigated between 2021 and December 2025 were found to constitute offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2015, with about 80% involving neglect. The figures underscore the importance of responsible animal care and the role played by organisations that respond directly to animals in distress. 

The official handover at Menara Sime, Ara Damansara was attended by Puan Sri Normah Hashim, YSD Governing Council Member; STAR Founder Norashikin Ahmad, Dato’ Mustamir Mohamad, Managing Director of UMW Division; and Dr Hjh Yatela Zainal Abidin, Chief Executive Officer of YSD. 

Puan Sri Normah said rescue organisations such as STAR rely heavily on dependable transportation to carry out their work effectively. 
 
“When STAR's rescue van was lost in the accident, the impact went far beyond the vehicle itself. For many animals in need, that van represented hope, rescue, and a second chance. It is an essential tool that enables STAR's team to reach animals in distress, transport them safely for treatment, and continue their efforts to find them permanent, loving homes.” 

“At YSD, we believe that strong communities are built on compassion, not only for people but also for the animals that share our environment. Through the funding from the Ministry of Finance, we were privileged to support the replacement of this vehicle and help STAR continue its invaluable work. We hope this contribution not only strengthens STAR's rescue efforts but also inspires greater awareness, empathy, and responsibility towards animal welfare across our society,” she said. 
 
 
STAR rescues, rehabilitates and rehomes animals affected by abandonment, abuse, accidents and other emergencies. Its work also extends to assisting animals during natural disasters and conducting adoption and animal welfare awareness activities. 
 
During the ceremony, Norashikin provided an overview of STAR’s work and a walkthrough of the Toyota Hiace before the symbolic key handover. 

“The loss of our rescue van was a significant setback as it was central to many of our daily operations. Rescue cases often require immediate transportation for veterinary treatment, rehabilitation and emergency care, and operating without a dedicated vehicle posed considerable challenges. 
 
“We are deeply grateful to Yayasan Sime Darby and the Ministry of Finance for making it possible to replace the van. This support restores our ability to respond effectively to rescue cases and will also help us continue our adoption activities, awareness programmes and emergency response efforts for years to come,” said Norashikin. 

Now fully integrated into STAR's rescue operations, the Toyota Hiace is helping the organisation continue its vital work of rescuing, treating and rehoming animals in need. The vehicle restores an essential operational capability and ensures that STAR can remain responsive to the welfare needs of animals across the communities it serves.