A restaurant owner in Johor Bahru recently found herself at the center of controversy and later, unexpected support after a video of her feeding stray dogs went viral.
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According to FMT, Masha, 50, the proprietor of Restoran Salai Star, shared that her business, which had been thriving in its first two months, saw a sudden drop in the third month. The reason became clear when she was confronted by two individuals while feeding stray dogs near her restaurant.
They scolded me, saying, "You're Malay, right? Muslim? Why do you want to feed dogs? Dogs are haram, people look at them and are disgusted!" Masha recounted. The individuals went on to threaten her, saying they would share photos of her actions to incite a boycott against her eatery.
Instead of succumbing to intimidation, Masha took to TikTok to share a video of herself feeding the strays. In the video, she addressed her critics, saying, "If there are leftovers, why not feed them? Why throw it away into the rubbish bin? Allah grants blessings and rewards, so really think about it. Animals are Allah's creations who want to live on this earth, too."
The video quickly gained traction, with netizens praising her compassion. The overwhelming support translated into a surge in business, catching Masha and her team by surprise.
"People began coming to support my restaurant and offer words of encouragement. I felt bad because we weren't able to offer the best service owing to the sheer number of customers," she admitted.
Masha, who also operates a pet-care business, emphasized that her actions stem from a deep love for animals. One particular dog, Milo, who appeared in her viral video, holds a special place in her heart.
"Milo is a good dog. He's not the type to come into my shop. He just wanted food from afar, so I fed him some distance away from my premises," she said, recalling the threats she faced.
Her son, Khairin, who helps manage the restaurant, echoed her sentiments, stressing the importance of maintaining Islamic boundaries while extending kindness.
"As Muslims, we don't hold or touch the dogs. We maintain cleanliness and ensure halal aspects are observed," the 27-year-old said. "But if an animal needs help, we help. It's not an issue."
Thanks to the viral video, Masha has turned adversity into an opportunity to foster a more compassionate dialogue about animals. Customers continue to flock to Restoran Salai Star, drawn by her kindheartedness and inspired to support her cause.
Source: FMT
