KUCHING, August 23: Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg today blamed the spread of rabies in the state on the federal government.
He said the Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak (DVSS) could not respond quickly to contain the outbreak because funds from Putrajaya had been slow.
“Apparently the federal government was slow in making decisions, especially (on funds for) the Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak (a federal concern).
“So what we do now is we use our state money first because we cannot delay. This is very important and urgent. The state government will do what it can while at the same time we negotiate (with Putrajaya),” he told reporters covering a Hari Raya Aidiladha gathering at PBB Satok Service here this morning.
Meanwhile, in a statement today, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, chairman of the State Disaster Management Committee, announced three new rabies-outbreak areas. This brings the total areas to 36 in the state.
The new additions are Rumah Lanchun at Sungai Tenggang in Sri Aman, Golden Fame Oil Palm Plantation at Pantu in Sri Aman and Simpang Kawasan Layar in Betong. — DayakDaily
