JOHOR BAHRU, Oct 26 — The Ministry of Health (MOH) is urging owners of pets, like dogs and cats, in Sarawak to get them vaccinated, to curb rabies in the state.
Its deputy minister Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni said the current rabies outbreak situation in Sarawak is quite worrying.
Preventive measures are being carried out by the state government, including the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS), which runs a pet vaccination programme.
“I understand the DVS, in collaboration with the local authorities, has opened a counter where pet owners can come and register their animals for injections.
“As for stray (or wild) animals, vaccination injections will be made when the authorities act on a complaint. This is important as dogs move in packs and often enter residential areas,” he said at the Mount Austin Stadium today.
Lukanisman added he is concerned about Sarawak’s rabies situation, so prevention efforts should be organised regularly.
He was speaking at the officiation of the MOH’s National Sports Carnival, in conjunction with the ‘Healthy, Prosperous Malaysia Month’.
Also present were Johor Health and Unity Committee chairman Ling Tian Soon and state Health Department director Dr Mohtar Pungut.
In the meantime, the rabies outbreak’s observation is focused on Sarawak as cases in that state are quite serious, with 15 deaths reported this year.
“The situation (outbreak) of rabies in Peninsular Malaysia is under control. From 2020 to 2023, only three cases were recorded in Selangor, compared with 75 cases in Sarawak for that period,” Lukanisman said when asked if there were cases of rabies in Peninsular Malaysia.
Previously, Sarawak Health director Dr Ooi Choo Huck said 17 cases were recorded in the state for the period from January to September 17, involving five cases in Sibu Division, Serian (four), Kuching (three), Bintulu (three), and Samarahan (two).
— Bernama
