By Karen Bong
KUCHING, April 15: Kampung Tabuan Melayu here is the latest area under Kuching South City Council’s (MBKS) jurisdiction to report 10 dog bite cases on April 6 in which all the victims had taken measures to go to the hospital for a series of rabies immunisation shots.
The above cases are among the 19 animal bite cases reported in MBKS localities as of Epid Week 13 for this year, involving Jalan Tenaga (1 dog bite case), Jalan Ban Hock (2 cases involving dog and cat each), Jalan Stutong Baru (1 dog bite case), Kampung Stutong Baru (1 dog bite case), Jalan Canna (1 cat bite case), Jalan Seladah (1 dog bite case), Jalan Uplands (1 cat bite case), Kampung Tabuan Lot ( 6 dog bite cases), Kampung Tabuan Tengah (2 dog bite cases), Kampung Tabuan Hilir (2 dog bite cases), and Jalan Setia Raja (1 dog bite case).
As such, MBKS Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng reminded the public that it is important to treat wounds immediately and seek medical attention if bitten by dogs or even cats for they could be exposed to rabies.
“Following this, the Council will make amendments or changes to our policies with public health as a priority. We will also intensify monitoring the streets for stray animals.
“While I totally agree that the lives of animals are valuable if they threaten the lives of humans, then I believe all will agree that human lives must come first,” he said during his ShallWeeTalk online session with the community today.
On certain views that making public such data will have a negative effect on the area, drive people away from risk areas, and cause economic loss to businesses, Wee pointed out that this is for public health and safety, just like during the Covid-19 pandemic period, which has been approved by the Ministry of Public Health, Housing, and Local Government.
“People have the right to know, more so on issues that would affect public health and safety. If, in the pandemic, cases are being hidden, people will be at risk of being exposed to the disease.
“This is more important than economic loss because when a person becomes sick, they will use all their money to get treated. Matters related to public health cannot be hidden or swept under the carpet,” he said.
With most dog bite cases being caused by family pets, Wee urged all pet owners to be responsible by bringing their dogs and cats, even those living indoors, for rabies vaccination.
The Department of Veterinary Sarawak (DVS), he added, will be carrying out a vaccination programme in Kampung Semaba, another rabies risk area along Jalan Stephen Yong under Padawan Municipal Council (MPP), on May 20.
Apart from vaccination, the programme will also facilitate pet owners to do licensing registration and microchipping for their pet animals.
“We are also arranging for vaccination programmes to be carried out in MBKS areas. We also appeal to NGO (non-governmental organisations) to help in supporting the cause by providing transportation to those in need to bring the animals for their annual rabies vaccination,” he said.
Wee also welcome all constructive ideas from the public to create a win-win situation in managing and preventing rabies and dog bite cases, especially in MBKS areas. — DayakDaily
