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On the quiet island of Langkawi, where tourists flock for its beaches and sunsets, one Malaysian has dedicated her life to a very different mission: saving the island's stray dogs
When Rozy Putra moved from Kuala Lumpur to Langkawi in 2022, she was heartbroken by the sight of strays suffering on the streets. Unable to turn away, she founded 4 Paws Langkawi, a privately-run animal welfare initiative that survives entirely on donations, fundraisers, and her unwavering determination.
"I moved here to retire. But the dogs' lives and conditions changed me completely. The dogs everywhere here were skinny, injured, and terrified of humans. They needed help," Rozy told SAYS.
"I started 4 Paws after my first encounter with a female dog with puppies and an injured neck — someone had probably tried to choke her," Rozy recalled. "I tried many times to catch her using every method I knew. In the end, I had to bring in an expert from Kuala Lumpur who used a blowpipe and tranquiliser to safely rescue her."
Instead of deterring her, this challenge steeled her resolve. Since then, Rozy has worked tirelessly to humanely trap, neuter, and release (TNR) strays throughout the island.
To date, 447 dogs have been spayed, including 40 just last month, in collaboration with other rescuers, feeders, shelters, and clinics
In addition to spaying, Rozy shared that the dogs are also dewormed and treated for fleas.
"This is part of what 4 Paws Langkawi does as a community service, so our strays can live healthier, better lives," she explained.
But her work doesn't stop there.
Every single day, Rozy and a helper cook at least 30kg of rice to feed homeless dogs along Langkawi's streets.
She also manages a small shelter that cares for 40 neutered dogs that, for their safety, could not be released back to where they were found
Since 4 Paws is not an NGO, Rozy told SAYS that she also runs a bazaar stall once a month to raise funds for her cause
Once a month at the Temple Tree Resort Langkawi, she turns her time to selling accessories, toys, and clothing, offers manicures and pedicures, and bakes cakes, all to keep her work going.
Sadly, she admitted that, despite her efforts, the work often feels like a never-ending battle
"Every day is a challenge. People poison dogs, purposely hit them with cars, and I've even had locals come at me with machetes, kick my car, and behave aggressively just because I feed dogs," she shared.
Nevertheless, through 4 Paws, Rozy proves that change is possible. With every spay, meal, and rescue, more dogs are spared from suffering — even if the island doesn't always makes it easy.
Keep up with Rozy's ongoing efforts, and learn how to donate, through 4 Paws Langkawi's Facebook page.
Rozy's commitment aligns with Execute AWA — Malaysia's first national humanity mission for greater animal welfare — by the people of Malaysia, for the animals of Malaysia.
This positive and professional community movement champions unity and grassroots collaboration, demands strict enforcement of laws that uphold justice, and advocates for legal reforms to raise the standards of animal rights nationwide.
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