Pet owners have been finding it difficult to rescue not only themselves but their furry companions as well, with a shortage of boats or the refusal of rescue workers to bring animals along, among the major hurdles.

Aishu, a dog owner who lives in Taman Sri Muda, Shah Alam, recounted her harrowing experience of having to take refuge with her two pets and one stray on the roof of her house, after the ground floor was submerged by some 4m of water.

She told FMT she pleaded for help on social media after the fire and rescue department informed her they would not attempt any rescues until the water receded.

To her relief, an independent rescuer answered her pleas, arriving with his own boat to rescue them.

S Mukunnan, a shelter owner from the Malaysian Animal Welfare Association, urged the government to help animal shelters in any form, from repairing and reconstructing facilities to providing financial aid.

His shelter in Hulu Langat, Kajang, which houses 230 dogs, was partially flooded by a nearby river.

“Our workers had to dig additional drains so water could flow out,” he said. “We were worried about the puppies in case they get sick from the flood waters.”

He said water supply had yet to return to his area, making cleanup work impossible.

Mukunnan has taken to social media for assistance.

For activist Deviga, it was disheartening to see little to no priority given to saving animals.

Deviga and three others ventured to Taman Mas, Puchong, wading through knee-deep water, to help rescue stray cats and dogs.

“The best we could do was to feed them and provide temporary medical attention,” she said.

“Many cats and dogs have drowned. Not all animals know how to swim.”

She also said she did not know how many animals had been affected or died.