SARAWAK is experiencing a rise in rabies cases affecting humans and animals, with Kampung Narum in Marudi, Miri, being declared the latest infected area.

State Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Minister Stephen Rundi Utom reminded the public to take extra precautions and urged anyone bitten by a dog to seek medical attention as soon as possible.

“Sarawak recorded 13 deaths from 15 rabies cases this year, according to the state Health Department. Since 2017, the cumulative total human rabies cases stands at 70 with 63 deaths,” he said in a statement.

He said the state Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) had intensified its anti-rabies vaccination programme throughout the state, particularly in the Kuching, Sibu, Bintulu and Miri divisions.

“A mass vaccination will be held at the parking lot of Miri Public Park from 9am to 4pm on August 19 and 20,” he said.

Rundi said DVS and the immune belt enforcement team were targeting to vaccinate 40,000 dogs across the state this year. To date, 27,668 have been vaccinated.

He also said 392 samples have been tested, where 73 dogs and five cats have been found positive for rabies.

Three rabies cases have been detected in Lundu; Bau (two); Kuching (31); Padawan (18); Kota Samarahan (five); Tebakang (four); Bintulu (two) and one each in Siburan, Serian, Sibu, Selangau, Mukah, Marudi and Lawas.

Dog owners must ensure their pets are vaccinated, and those who fail without reasonable cause to comply with the anti-rabies vaccination order shall be guilty of an offence compoundable up to RM1,000.

Owners who let their dogs roam on the street shall also be liable to a fine not exceeding RM2,500 under section 37 of the Veterinary Public Health Ordinance 1999.

The local authorities may seize and impound any dog that is unleashed in accordance with the Local Authorities (Dog Licencing and Control) By-Laws 2018. – Bernama, August 15, 2023.