PETALING JAYA: An opposition MP, Suhaimi Abdullah, has proposed turning a small island in Langkawi into a dedicated space for stray dogs to reduce attacks on residents and tourists. The dogs would be cared for by NGOs and local authorities, with veterinary facilities provided.

Suhaimi raised the idea following an attack on a four-year-old boy in Kampung Dedek last Saturday, where he was severely injured by a pack of dogs. Suhaimi had previously addressed the issue in the Dewan Rakyat, urging for more measures to control the stray dog population, but with limited action due to funding shortages and animal welfare concerns. He highlighted that 455 dogs were captured in 2022 and 440 in 2023, with some later released.