LANGKAWI: A total of 160 dogs and 18 cats are facing an uncertain future after their current shelter in Kuah has been told to shut down by the landowner.
The “World of Our Furry Friends” (WOOFF) Langkawi urgently needs RM380,000 by the end of the year to continue its lifesaving work.
WOOFF Langkawi spokesman Sam Lambert said the organisation had raised RM100,000 but still needed an additional RM380,000 to relocate to a new centre.
“We are still looking for a place to start afresh. We need the money to buy and prepare the land for the dogs and cats.
“Fundraising will continue even after the target is met because setting up a new sanctuary comes with significant costs.
“This fundraising is critical; failing to meet the goal will not only impact the current animals in our care but also affect future strays and rescues on the island,” he said.
Help save our home: Some of the “residents “ at the sanctuary in Kuah Langkawi. — Photo courtesy of WOOFF Langkawi
Earlier, WOOFF founder Jeffrey Tan received an eviction notice requiring the shelter to vacate its premises by the end of the year.
Lambert said for the past 16 years, WOOFF Langkawi has welcomed over 1,000 animals, some of which are still housed there.
He said WOOFF Langkawi is also actively involved in the trap-neuter-release (TNR) programme designed to control the stray animal population on the island.
“We rescue animals that are injured, abused or in vulnerable conditions across Langkawi.
“The sanctuary provides these animals with urgent care, nursing them back to health while offering safety and protection.
“We also work on rehabilitating the animals and preparing them for adoption.”
Lambert said they have successfully had animals adopted worldwide, including in the United States, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and throughout Malaysia.
“Unfortunately, the sanctuary now faces the real possibility of closure, and we urgently need all the help we can get,” he said.
The sanctuary is currently managed by Tan, who relies on dedicated volunteers to keep the operation running smoothly.
Lambert said Tan’s work is crucial not only to the well-being of the animals in his care but also to the island.
“He plays a key role in controlling the stray population, starting his day at 7am or 8am, and works tirelessly until the job is done, be it 5pm or 11pm.
“Although we would love to hire a permanent worker, we simply can’t afford full-time salaries.
“The sanctuary is dependent on donations and sponsorships to continue its daily operations,” he said.
To donate or support WOOFF, visit www.woofflangkawi.org/donate.
Meanwhile, Kedah’s local government committee chairman Mejar (Rtd) Mansor Zakaria said the plight of the sanctuary deserved serious attention, adding that he will meet with the WOOFF Langkawi operator.
He urged the operator to reach out to the relevant state and federal agencies for financial support or engage with the landowner to secure an extended time frame to raise enough funds for the construction of a new facility for the animals.
“The operator can also consult the Langkawi District Office and the Land Office, which may be willing to offer temporary use of vacant land on the island until the sanctuary is able to raise the necessary funds,” said Mansor while praising the NGO for its dedication in caring for stray animals.
