5 days ago
Mayor Wee urges vigilance as Sarawak logs three more rabies cases
File photo shows a pet owner bringing his dog for vaccination at a Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak's rabies awareness and immunisation programme.
KUCHING (July 13): Sarawak recorded three rabies cases from July 7 to 11, two of which involved stray dogs, said Kuching South Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng.
According to him, the two positive cases involving stray dogs occurred in Moyan Square, Batu Kawah, and Bintulu.
'The other case involved a pet dog from Lorong 3, Taman Sri Moyan, Batu Kawah,' he said during his Facebook live 'Shall WEE Talk' yesterday.
Wee said all dog owners are required to send their pets for anti-rabies vaccination regularly, as stipulated under Section 40 of the Veterinary Public Health Ordinance 1999.
Failing this, he said they will face a fine not exceeding RM2,500.
He added that dog owners who fail to show proof of vaccination may also face legal action.
Pointing out that rabies remains a public health threat to Sarawakians, the Mayor urged everyone to remain vigilant and do what they must to curb its spread.
Wee also called upon pet owners to bring their dogs for the jab at a mass anti-rabies vaccination campaign to be held at the MBKS Dewan Masyarakat on Sept 20, in conjunction with the World Rabies Day.
He said another similar drive is scheduled to take place at the Sarawak Basketball Association's premises in Taman Seng Goon on Oct 4.
'MBKS has been organising free anti-rabies vaccination programmes, and the last of its kind was held at the Mayor Song Swee Guan Park in Tabuan Jaya.'
Wee hoped that dog owners will seize these opportunities to make sure that their pets are vaccinated against rabies.
He said this is a move to protect not just their own pets but also their family and the community at large.
He also reminded all that rabies is fatal, and that prevention is better than cure. lead new cases rabies vaccination drive wee hong seng
