The Makkau Reptile Community, based in Subang Jaya, Selangor, is founded on camaraderie, enjoyment, knowledge exchange, and the steadfast support of its members. It currently has over 150 participants from all ages and walks of life.
“We have loads of fun together,” Shaun, 36, told FMT Lifestyle. “We have regular outings, workshops, and get-togethers when there are new stocks of animals.
“People even bring along friends who are exotic-pet virgins.”
Indeed, the community welcomes all with open arms. Regular events such as colouring competitions, golf driving-range activities, foosball games, reptile shows, and educational workshops foster close friendships and a shared sense of connection.
“I wanted the community to be a safe space for people to share knowledge, ideas, hacks and shortcuts,” Shaun added. “Exchanging information and learning from one another have really been invaluable for our members.
“We also aim to educate others and dispel misconceptions regarding exotic animals.”
So, how did this all begin? Shaun said it was thanks to a close friend who encouraged him to sell his homemade aquariums, because they would be cheaper than the imported ones sold in pet shops.
From producing the aquariums in his own home, he moved to the first floor of an SS15 shoplot in mid-2021 and opened Makkau Reptile, an exotic-pet aquarium and accessory store.
The atmosphere at Makkau has been relaxed and casual from the very beginning, which drew patrons to want to hang out there. Noticing this, Shaun started a Whatsapp group, and the Makkau Reptile Community grew accordingly.
Beyond bearded dragons basking under heat lamps and pythons coiled gracefully in their enclosures, the community’s heart evidently lies in its members, who exchange anecdotes about their scaly companions, troubleshoot feeding challenges, and celebrate breeding successes.
Late-night emergency calls, spontaneous weekend reptile rescues, and celebrations of milestones are among the threads that weave the fabric of the community.
“I have made a lot of good friends being part of Makkau,” said Devindran Dhanabalan, a college student who keeps a corn snake. “When my snake wasn’t feeling well, I posted about it in the group, and people started reaching out with advice and which vet I should bring it to.
“Everyone is very nice, and I come here often to play foosball with the guys.”
Aqlif Putra, who owns an Argentine black-and-white tegu – a type of lizard – shared his own experience: “I had many questions about licensing matters, and the community members really helped by pointing me in the right direction and sharing their own experiences and knowledge.”
Shaun is, of course, the driving force here; his enthusiasm and deep knowledge of reptiles draw individuals from diverse backgrounds together.
“My daughter suffers from anxiety, but she loves this place because she feels calm when she’s with these animals,” said former radio host JJ Fernandez.
“She’ll always ask me, ‘When are we going to Uncle Shaun’s shop?’ There’s a place for everyone in this community, and that’s what’s beautiful about it.”
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Makkau Reptile
1st Floor, 99 Jalan SS15/4C
SS15 Subang Jaya, 47500
Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Opening hours: 9am-9pm daily
Contact: 014-934 1020