Yong, a fashion designer, had been on a company trip at Club Med Cherating. Just the day before, he had posted photos on Facebook showing him in good spirits as he spent time kayaking and rock climbing.
His sudden passing has sent shockwaves through the animal-rescue community, especially since Yong was an avid gym goer with a fit physique. More importantly, he was a man on a mission to help homeless animals, especially those that were injured or in poor health.
On the day of his passing, Yong had posted a fundraising appeal for 23 dogs that had apparently been rescued from a pound. At about 1.30pm, Yong had even made a payment for some of his outstanding vet bills. It is believed that he passed away at approximately 3pm.
Popularly known on social media as Karma Paul, Yong’s legacy lives on today in the many dogs, cats, and other animals to whom he provided a lifeline, inspiring other rescuers with his tireless efforts in the process.
“If he believed he was doing the right thing, he didn’t allow what others said to affect him,” said Dr Toh Cen Han, the co-owner of Zen Animal Clinic in Subang Jaya. The 32-year-old worked with Yong to help and treat his furry charges.
Despite having known Yong for only about a year, the veterinarian wrote on Facebook that he had come to treat Yong as “a best friend”. According to Toh, Yong would go beyond rescuing injured animals: he made a difference in other ways, such as finding forever homes for them and running trap-neuter-release (TNR) programmes.
Even before sending an animal to a shelter, Yong would meticulously research the place beforehand to ensure the animal received the best possible aftercare.
Yong’s kindness extended beyond four-legged creatures as he would also help other rescuers who couldn’t raise sufficient funds. His support, Toh observed, emboldened these rescuers to continue their efforts.
“I understand from his brother that rescuers who had never met Yong face-to-face attended his funeral in his hometown of Kuala Kangsar,” Toh told FMT Lifestyle, adding that some had travelled from Kedah, Pahang and Johor.
When word spread about Yong’s outstanding vet bills amounting to approximately RM30,000, many friends, followers and members of the rescue community contributed to settle them.
In the future, Toh shared, he plans to open a clinic for strays under TNR programmes, which had been Yong’s dream.
Kind, passionate, perseverent
Fellow animal rescuer Halen Ang described Yong as a passionate and kind person. “He was also very hardworking as, at one point, he taught Mandarin lessons to international school students and also offered personal-training sessions for additional income,” the 40-year-old shared.
When it came to animals in need, Yong would simply not give up. Once, Ang recalled, he had contacted her to assist him with a dog that had got its head stuck in a container. Yong had made at least 13 previous attempts.
The duo waited for the dog at its usual spot at 6am, before joggers could show up and frighten the canine. And although they were unsuccessful that day, Yong kept going back until he rescued the poor animal.
A similar sentiment about Yong’s perseverance is echoed by another rescuer, Nicole-Ann Thomas.
“He was the type of person who would find a solution to a problem instead of making excuses. If an animal needed help, he would find a way to help it,” the 51-year-old told FMT Lifestyle.
Yong, she added, would also take the time to share his knowledge with newer rescuers, guiding them on proper rescue techniques.
For 55-year-old Angela Han, it has been close to a month since Yong’s passing, but she still feels the loss acutely. “He was a positive person and was only sad when an animal passed away,” she said.
She cited an incident during which he had learnt about an injured puppy in an industrial area. “He rushed over there, even though it was nearly midnight,” she recalled.
Han, who coordinates rescue efforts by raising funds and arranging for rescuers to attend to needy animals, said she is inspired by Yong’s heartwarming devotion. “His passing is truly a big loss to the community,” she concluded.