Muhammad Azmi Ismail, or Pak Mie, who runs a shelter for stray animals in Kedah, is in a coma in Ampang Hospital in Kuala Lumpur, while his shelter is in dire need of volunteers.

His wife Halijah Idris - better known as Mak Intan - said Pak Mie did not wake up from his sleep since Thursday morning.

He was rushed to Tuanku Mizan Military Hospital in Wangsa Maju by one of his adopted sons, but was yesterday sent to Ampang Hospital as his condition worsened.

“We tried to wake him up in the morning on Thursday but he remained motionless. His eyes were tightly shut.

“He is now in a very critical condition. All I can do now is pray for him,” she told Malaysiakini , between sobs.

“He was supposed to go through brain surgery but the doctor now says no, as half of his body is already paralysed,” added Intan, 68.

Intan noted that this was Pak Mie’s second stroke, which is much more serious than the one he suffered last April.

Intan said that her three children are now manning the shelter, but more volunteers may be needed in the coming days.

“My children have fed the animals today,” she said.

Save Our Strays (SOS) spokesperson April Sham said Pak Mie’s shelter needed help in cash and kind.

“Mak Intan was crying and sounded very down when I called her.

“I have obtained her approval to call a press conference asking the public to help via donations or volunteer to assist in the shelter in Alor Setar,” said Sham.

To date, Pak Mie’s shelter houses close to 700 dogs, with some cats.

Pak Mie, 57, courted controversy n 2013 when the authorities in Alor Setar threatened to drive him out of his shelter, which he has been operating with his wife for almost 10 years on donations from animal lovers.

His plea for help was met by a group of animal rights NGOs, supported by PKR Alor Setar MP Gooi Hsiao Leung, who held a joint press conference pleading to the authorities to spare Pak Mie and find him an alternative shelter.

As at September 2013, Pak Mie was still running his shelter as the Alor Setar City Council had extended his eviction notice.

Those who would like to donate to Pak Mie's shelter can do so through this bank account:

Md Azmi Bin Ismail

Hong Leong Bank

Account no: 164-51-48271-4