Langkawi MP Suhaimi Abdullah suggested that the dogs could be properly cared for by NGOs and local authorities on the designated island.

“This island could also house veterinary facilities to ensure their wellbeing and serve as an attraction for animal lovers visiting Langkawi,” he said in a statement.

Suhaimi cited a case last Saturday where a four-year-old boy was severely injured in an attack by a pack of dogs in Kampung Dedek, Langkawi.

In the 10.30am incident, Ahmad Raihan Abdul Mukmin suffered injuries to his head, body and legs before nearby residents rescued him from the dogs which had attacked him while he was playing near his home.

Suhaimi said he had raised concerns about stray dogs in Langkawi since March 2023 during his debates in the Dewan Rakyat, where he had urged animal lovers to come to the island and adopt these dogs.

He said the Langkawi Municipal Council (MPLBP) had taken measures such as building enclosures as well as capturing and spaying the dogs but had stopped short of euthanising the animals due to objections from animal welfare advocates.

The Bersatu MP said he had raised the issue again in the Dewan Rakyat in September 2023 and in November the same year in the lower house’s special chambers session.

“However, these incidents were downplayed to protect Langkawi’s reputation as a tourist destination,” he said.

Suhaimi said MPLBP faced a shortage of funds to continue housing the dogs.

“In 2022, a total of 455 dogs were captured, followed by 440 in 2023. However, some of the dogs handed over to animal welfare NGOs were later released.”

He said police recorded 20 reports of dog bites in Langkawi between 2020 and 2023, while data from the island’s health department showed 16 attacks by stray dogs during the same period.