By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, April 21: Kuching South City Council (MBKS) mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng has revealed that four rabies-positive cases were reported from April 15 to 19.
“The first case occurred at DD Pelita Sebungan in Sebauh, Bintulu, involving a free-roaming pet that had been surrendered. The second case occurred at Jade Garden in Bintulu and involved a free-roaming pet. It was a bite case.
“The third case happened at Kampung Sibuluh in Bau, involving a pet. It was a bite case. The fourth case happened at Stapok Estate Jalan Stapok Selatan in Kuching and involved a pet. It was a bite case,” Wee said during his ShallWeeTalk live session with the community yesterday (April 20).
He further emphasised that MBKS had repeatedly urged pet owners to remember to vaccinate their pets and obtain the necessary permits.
“The penalty can be large or small. In addition to the Department Of Veterinary Services (DVS) Sarawak and other local councils, the State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) is now involved in rabies prevention efforts. Remember that if DVS Sarawak discovers that your pet has not been vaccinated, you could face a RM1,000 fine.
“Additionally, failing to apply for a permit or having an unchained dog without licence tags may result in an RM500 penalty imposed by the council. Therefore, the combined damage would amount to RM1,500,” he added.
The mayor also mentioned that the dog-catching operation is ready to commence at any moment and noted that DVS Sarawak has already initiated it.
“Besides that, the city council will make every effort to organise a second rabies vaccination for pets in April or May, with an official announcement to follow.
“The vaccination event will also include microchipping and a licence permit. It’ll be free. We’ve done it before, and we’ll do it again, most likely at the end of this month or early in May.
“Prepare your pets for the rabies vaccination because RM1,500 is not a small sum. I do not want our citizens to be punished,” Wee added. — DayakDaily
