KUCHING: A new anti-rabies vaccination order has been enforced in Sarawak as the fight against the disease appears to have no end yet since its outbreak in 2017.
Sarawak Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom who signed the order on Wednesday (Jan 22) under Section 40(1) of the Veterinary Public Health Ordinance (VPHO) 1999, said all dogs in the state are now required to undergo anti-rabies vaccination and receive annual boosters.
"Dog owners must ensure their pets are vaccinated. Failure to comply is punishable by a fine of up to RM2,500,” he said in a statement, adding that unvaccinated dogs exposed to rabies would be euthanised.
He said Kuching, Samarahan, Serian, Sri Aman, Kapit, Mukah and Bintulu Divisions as rabies-infected zones following the detection of new animal rabies cases.
According to him, Sarawak recorded 123 positive cases from 889 animal samples last year, with Kuching leading with 79 cases, followed by Bintulu (16), Samarahan (10) and Serian (six), while Sri Aman, Kapit and Mukah recorded four cases each.
Dr Rundi said that between Jan 6 and 19 this year, three rabies-positive cases involving free-roaming pets were reported in Kuching and Samarahan.
The state Veterinary Services Department together with the Immune Belt Enforcement Team (IBET) has intensified anti-rabies vaccination programmes across the state.
"The public can avail themselves of free dog anti-rabies vaccination at any Government Veterinary Office during office hours or during mass vaccination events, which will be announced on the official DVS Sarawak Facebook page,” he said.
Private veterinary clinics also offer vaccination and healthcare services for pets.
According to him, the state Health Department reported 83 cumulative human cases and 76 deaths since July 2017, including eight deaths in 2024.
He reminded dog owners to comply with licensing and identification requirements where fines would be imposed for non-compliance and at the same time, encouraging pet neutering to prevent unwanted litters. - Bernama
