Langkawi MP wants special island for stray dogs

Summary

• Langkawi MP calls for one of his constituency's islands to be used to house stray dogs as a solution to residents and tourists getting bitten.

• Suhaimi says the “isle of dogs” can also be used as a tourist attraction.

Langkawi MP Suhaimi Abdullah called for one of his constituency's 99 islands to be set aside for stray dogs.

He told a press conference in Parliament today that this was to tackle the issue of stray dogs biting residents and tourists.

"We take an island and we make it a place to keep or care for these wild dogs and in such a systematic way that these dogs can be cared for perfectly," Suhaimi (above) said.

This “isle of dogs” could also become a tourist attraction, he added.

In a separate statement, he said veterinary facilities could be provided on the island to ensure the dogs' welfare.

This came following a March 1 incident where a four-year-old boy was severely injured after being bitten by a stray dog in Kampung Dedek, Langkawi.

Suhaimi had visited the boy, who is now in stable condition.

During the press conference, Suhaimi said dog bite cases in Langkawi are not amplified in the media as his constituency is primarily a tourist location.

"I always say that if these dogs bite a tourist who is rich and famous, then the news will certainly not be hidden and the effects will continue to affect Langkawi," he added.

He cited police reports of 20 dog bite cases from 2020 to 2023.

"About 455 dogs were caught in 2022 and 440 in 2023.

"But there are dogs that were given to the relevant NGOs before being released," he said.

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