by DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Jan 22: An anti-rabies vaccination order is now in force with seven divisions in Sarawak declared as rabies infected divisions with new positive animal rabies detected including 21 areas declared previously, the Ministry Of Food Industry, Commodity And Regional Development, Sarawak announced.
In a statement, its Minister, Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom said an anti-rabies vaccination order under Section 40(1) of the Veterinary Public Health Ordinance 1999 (VPHO 1999) has been signed today, which mandates that all dogs in Sarawak must undergo anti-rabies vaccination and receive annual boosters.
“Failure to comply with this requirement will result in an offence punishable by a fine of up to RM2,500.
“Additionally, dogs exposed to rabies that lack proper vaccination documentation will be euthanised,” he said.
He also announced that Kuching, Samarahan, Serian, Sri Aman, Kapit, Mukah and Bintulu division have been declared as rabies infected areas due to new positive animal rabies detected including 21 areas declared previously.
“This declaration is necessary to ensure more effort is taken by the division concerned. In 2024, 123 animal rabies tested positive from the 889 samples collected in Sarawak.
“The breakdown of the animal rabies positive are as follows: Kuching (79), Samarahan (10), Serian (six), Sri Aman (four), Kapit (four), Mukah (four) and Bintulu (16).
“Additionally, three rabies-positive cases involving cat and dog were reported in Kuching and Samarahan Divisions between January 6 and 19 this year. The positive animals were identified as free-roaming pets,” he said.
The Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak (DVSS) together with Immune Belt Enforcement Team (IBET) from UKPS has also intensified the anti-rabies vaccination programmes throughout Sarawak.
“Public can get their free dog anti-rabies vaccination at any Government Veterinary Offices during office hours and mass vaccination which will be announce from time to time at their official DVS Sarawak FB account.
“Private veterinary clinics are also providing vaccine and health care for your pets,” Dr Rundi said.
He also emphasized that dog owners are fully responsible for their pets vaccination and they should also ensure their pets are microchipped and neutered.
“Dog owners are also required to apply for a license and microchip from their respective local councils. Failure to obtained dog license is an offence and may be fine up to RM5,000 section 3 by the local councils,” he said.
Dr Rundi further warned that any pet owners who allow their dogs to roam freely on the streets shall be liable to a fine not exceeding RM2,500 under Section 37, VPHO 1999.
“Dog owners must keep their dogs under effective control by confining them within an enclosed area from which it is impossible for the dog to escape.
“The Local Authority may seize, impound any dogs which is not on a leash in accordance with the Local Authorities (Dog Licensing and Control) by-laws, 2018 and fine owners for RM2,000 under 12. Dog with bite case will be euthanised for laboratory test,” he said.
Aside from that, he reminded the public to stay vigilant and take extra precautions when dealing with stray animals.
Seek immediate medical attention at a nearby clinic if bitten by an animal.
Pet owners are also encouraged to neuter their pets to help prevent unwanted litters.
Owners who dumped their pet may be fine up to RM2,000 under section 73, VPHO 1999.
According to State Health Department, the cumulative total human rabies cases now stood at 83, with 76 deaths, since July 2017 including eight deaths in 2024. – DayakDaily
