KOTA KINABALU: State authorities are setting up proactive controls to prepare for possible rabies outbreaks, citing alarming developments in Sarawak and Indonesia.
Given the proximity of these affected areas, Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan said that the state wants to protect its status of being free of rabies for over a century.
“Sabah has been rabies-free since 1881, but we cannot be complacent with our record because the disease is still active in surrounding areas like Sarawak and Indonesia,” he told reporters at the closing of rabies simulation training by the Sabah Department of Sabah Veterinary Services (DVS) on Thursday (Oct 10).
Kitingan detailed essential steps to keep rabies at bay, such as border control and quarantine to prevent rabies-infected animals from entering Sabah from high-risk areas.
“Border control measures, quarantine procedures, and public awareness campaigns are critical in protecting Sabah from the threat of rabies,” he said.
He also stressed the importance of raising public awareness, as many residents may not fully understand the dangers of rabies or the need to vaccinate their pets.
“Raising public understanding is crucial for keeping the disease out of Sabah,” he said.
Kitingan, who is also the Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Minister, explained the importance of managing the disease before it reaches Sabah’s borders.
He noted that Sarawak has reported 81 bite cases, with 74 resulting in deaths.
Rabies cases have also surfaced in Perlis, Kedah, and Penang, highlighting the disease’s reach.
He added that simulation training should also include preparedness for other contagious diseases, such as African Swine Fever (ASF), which had nearly wiped out the wild boar population in Sabah.
DVS director Dr Mary Josephine Golingai outlined additional preventive measures, stating that rabies vaccination and antibody titre tests are mandatory for pets, especially dogs and cats, before entering Sabah.
“Pets must be vaccinated against rabies at least six months before entering Sabah,” she said, explaining that veterinary officers stationed at border checkpoints enforce these regulations.
The antibody titre test ensures that the vaccine is effective and provides sufficient immunity.
“Some animals may not respond to the vaccine, similar to how humans sometimes fail to develop antibodies after receiving a Hepatitis B vaccine. In such cases, the rabies vaccine must be re-administered,” Golingai explained.
She also highlighted that many residents were ignorant of these regulations and urged the public to consult the department's website for information on the necessary permits.
"All import licence conditions and procedures are accessible online. Violations, such as failing to meet vaccination or health standards, can result in fines of up to RM25,000 or court-imposed penalties ranging from RM25,000 to RM50,000, depending on the severity of the offence," Golingai warned.
Although fewer than 10 smuggling cases have been reported this year, Golingai reassured that the department is taking every precaution to ensure the disease does not breach Sabah’s borders.
She explained that animals without sufficient antibodies could face up to three months of quarantine in high-risk cases, while lower-risk cases may involve quarantine periods ranging from two weeks to two months.
The high cost of rabies antibody blood tests, ranging from RM1,000 to RM1,500, remains a challenge for pet owners, but these measures are necessary to safeguard Sabah from the disease.
Authorities are also investigating potential illegal practices involving the improper handling and sale of animals that may not have been properly tested for rabies.
A task force has been established to look into these matters and ensure compliance with the required procedures.