KUCHING: Rabies remains a threat in Sarawak, with two human deaths recorded this year, says Deputy Premier Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian.
He said the number of animal bites, particularly from dogs, has remained high since the outbreak was first detected in 2017.
He added that nearly half of all animal bites now come from pets, not just stray dogs.
“This proves that no animal is immune to rabies, whether it is a pet or a stray,” he said at the Sarawak-level World Rabies Day 2025 celebration here today.
Dr Sim, who is also state public health, housing and local government minister, said the public must understand that bites are not the only way the virus can be transmitted.
Scratches from animals with saliva on their paws can also spread the dangerous virus, he said, noting that positive cases have also been recorded in cats.
“Before, we only focused on dogs, but now cats have started showing positive cases, even at a rate of 2 per cent. Therefore, we have suggested that cat licences also be considered, to monitor their vaccination status,” he said.
Meanwhile, Sarawak Veterinary Services Department (JPVS) director Datuk Dr Adrian Susin Ambud said 45 out of 490 animal samples taken this year tested positive for rabies, with the majority being dogs.
“Since 2017, we have vaccinated more than 278,000 animals throughout Sarawak, but the main challenge is the high number of uncontrolled stray dogs, which makes containment difficult,” he said.
He said 10,957 animals have been vaccinated so far this year, but this number is still far from the actual need, and he urged more pet owners to get the free vaccinations provided by the government.
“Rabies vaccination is mandatory under Section 40 of the Veterinary Public Health Ordinance. If not vaccinated, owners can be compounded,” he said.
Adrian added that sterilisation is also needed to control the stray dog population, which continues to breed and serve as the main vector for rabies transmission.
“The problem is that even though local authorities like the Kuching South City Council and Padawan Municipal Council offer sterilisation subsidies, the response is still low, so we hope the community will take this matter seriously,” he said.
He also said that owners are responsible for ensuring their animals are kept within fenced areas at home and not allowed to roam in public to prevent the risk of infection and attacks.
“If a dog shows rabies symptoms, report it immediately to JPVS. There is no cure once symptoms appear, and the animal will become aggressive and can be dangerous to the public,” he said.
Since the rabies outbreak was declared in Sarawak in July 2017, there have been 85 human infections and 78 deaths.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
