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JB Eatery Receives Outpour Of Support After Owner Threatened With Boycott For Feeding Dogs

A recent visitor said the restaurant was so busy that food even sold out by 2pm.

Cover image via David Yong (Facebook) & @salaistar (TikTok)

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A wave of support has flooded in for a restaurant owner in Johor Bahru after she made a heartfelt plea against naysayers who condemned her for feeding stray dogs

In a TikTok video published last week, Kak Masha, the owner of Restoran Salai Star, defended her actions and expressed her frustration over the critics who threatened to boycott her restaurant.

"Some individuals have messaged me to criticise me for feeding these animals. But they are Allah's creations, and as an animal lover, I can't turn away and not feed them!" she professed passionately.

She explained that her frequent posts about feeding stray animals comes from a place of genuine care and enjoyment in helping creatures in need.

"Please understand and don't boycott my restaurant just because I feed dogs.

"I can't not feed animals. I feed monkeys, birds, and even care for over 50 stray cats at home, and need to earn a living," she shared.

The video garnered over 250,000 views, with Kak Masha receiving praise for her acts of kindness towards animals.

The viral attention also led to an outpouring of physical support, with customers flocking to her restaurant.

In several Facebook community groups, patrons have been sharing about their visits and encouraging others to support the restaurant.

"Fully support Restoran Salai Star and Kak Masha. We will always stand by animal lovers," one Facebook user posted.

Another customer shared, "This restaurant faced boycott threats because the kind owner feeds stray dogs. So, my friend and I came for breakfast today."

A recent visitor said the restaurant was so busy that food even sold out by 2pm.

In an emotional update today, 27 November, Kak Masha announced that she had to temporarily close her restaurant for a day due to the overwhelming demand

"I wish to thank everyone for all the support since the video went viral. I cannot express my gratitude enough to those who came to my restaurant from near and far in the last few days," she said.

"But I'd like to apologise because we cannot keep up with service, and that some customers didn't even get food," she added, tearfully.

She assured customers that Restoran Salai Star will reopen tomorrow, 28 November, with plans to hire more staff and prepare more food for the influx of customers.

Watch Kak Masha's original viral video here:

@salaistar

Bukan saja2 bagi anjing makan. Dia pun makhluk allah jugak. Perlukan pembelaan. Just bagi makan je. #salaisalailomaklomakbakobako #salaistar #fyp #foryou #joho #anjing #animallover

original sound - SalaiStar - SalaiStar

These Malaysians have also previously faced backlash for caring for animals:

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