By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, May 7: Sarawak recorded 11 rabies cases and eight deaths in the first four months of 2023, compared to 14 cases and 11 deaths in the entire year of 2022, according to the Ministry of Public Health, Housing, and Local Government (MPHLG).
Its minister, Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian, who is also Deputy Premier of Sarawak, emphasised that efforts to combat rabies do not rest solely on the shoulders of the Sarawak government or local authorities but rather require the participation of all parties for the state to achieve zero rabies outbreaks.
“Sarawak cannot be the only state to fail to address the rabies epidemic in accordance with the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) goal of eliminating the rabies epidemic by 2030.
“To prevent the rabies epidemic, every community must work together, and several laws must be changed.
“As a result, at the local government level, the local councils can amend certain laws, whereas, at the state level, it must be amended at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN),” Dr Sim told reporters when met at the Hari Raya Aidilfitri Combined Open House jointly organised by Padawan Municipal Council (MPP), Kuching South City Council (MBKS), MPHLG, Batu Kitang assemblyman, and Kota Sentosa assemblyman, which was held today in the Community Hall at Kampung Haji Baki here.
He said that dog licensing and microchip installation are not yet mandatory and that this is one of several laws that the Sarawak government will look into.
Furthermore, Dr Sim called for everyone to play their part, including pet owners and victims of dog bites.
Also present were MBKS mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng, MPP chairman Tan Kai, Batu Kitang assemblyman Lo Khere Chiang, and Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap. — DayakDaily
