By Marlynda Meraw
KUCHING, March 27: Out of 174 samples tested, a total of 45 animals were found positive for rabies in Sarawak with Kuching holding the highest total with 17 positive cases for this year so far.
In March, Kuching recorded nine positive rabies cases, while Samarahan and Serian each reported three cases, Bau and Bintulu documented two cases each, and one case was recorded in Sri Aman, bringing the total to 20 cases for the month.
In Kuching, rabies cases were detected in Kampung Sejijak in Batu Kawah, Jalan Simen Raya 1 in Pending, Jalan Belatok, Stapok Selatan, and Kampung Mambong which are in Padawan, Kuching North City Hall (DBKU), Sungai Tengah in Matang, Lorong Kim Pang 2B, and Jalan Chawan.
Meanwhile, cases in Samarahan were detected at Jalan Stakan Melayu, Samarindah Baru, and Kampung Quop whereas rabies cases in Serian were confirmed in Kampung Reteh Karas, Kampung Tarat Melawi, and Kampung Lanchang Sabai.
For Bintulu, rabies cases were confirmed at Jalan Sebauh/Pandan and Sungai Plan while rabies cases in Bau were detected at Jalan Jiu Phin in Tondong and Kampung Peros.
Sri Aman’s sole rabies case was detected in Kampung Kemintin Kelauh.
Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) Sarawak director Datu Dr Adrian Susin Ambud said that 44,874 dogs had been vaccinated, falling short of the targeted 70 per cent of the estimated 230,000 dog population in the State.
“There will be a total of 133 new posts to be created under DVS Sarawak to intensify the anti-rabies vaccination programmes throughout Sarawak. Enforcement on unvaccinated dogs, targeted stray dog removal and licencing will be carried out immediately by the enforcement team (DVS, Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), Immune Belt Enforcement Team (IBET),” said Susin during the closing ceremony for the ‘Action Plan to Curb Rabies 2024’ programme today.
He reminded the public to take immediate action in ensuring that their dogs are vaccinated as it is mandatory under Section 40, Veterinary Public Health Ordinance (VPHO) 1999 and anyone who fails to comply will be found guilty of offence and may be fined up to RM1,000.
“Dog vaccination is compulsory and owners are required to apply for a licence and microchip from their respective councils. Local authorities may seize and impound any dogs without a leash following the Local Authorities (Dog Licensing and Control) by-laws 2018,” Susin said.
Also present at the closing ceremony was Deputy Premier Dato Amar Douglas Uggah Embas. — DayakDaily
