KUALA LUMPUR: Action is needed to address the wild dog issue in Langkawi, as it could impact the island's tourism, says Datuk Mohd Suhaimi Abdullah (PN-Langkawi).
He said this while holding up graphic images of a European tourist who was allegedly attacked by wild dogs in Langkawi during Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat on Thursday (Feb 26).
He described the alleged incident as a catastrophe and said that a video of the attack has been widely circulating online.
“As you can see, the injuries were severe. This happened just last week to a European tourist. The matter has also been raised repeatedly in the House, and I really hope none of us in this House will be affected.
“There are too many wild dogs not only in Langkawi but throughout Malaysia,” he said.
“Can the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry bring in other ministries, such as the Housing and Local Government Ministry, to put an end to this issue?” he asked.
In response, Deputy Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Chiew Choon Man said the matter should be raised with the local council authorities in Langkawi.
“It is not under our jurisdiction,” he said.
In March last year, a four-year-old boy sustained serious injuries after a pack of dogs in Kampung Dedek attacked him.
Mohd Suhaimi had also previously proposed designating one of the 99 islands in his constituency to serve as a shelter for stray dogs.
