Latest news with #WeeHongSeng
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Health
- New Straits Times
New feline front in Sarawak's rabies battle but complacency is greatest enemy
THE menace of human rabies in Sarawak continues to dog efforts to contain and eradicate it. Since the first cases were detected in 2017, the potentially fatal outbreak usually caused through dog bites has unfortunately spread across the entire state. Several fatalities are reported each year. As if the potential for rabies to become endemic is not worrisome enough, the first cases of rabies from cat scratches have been reported. Kuching City South Mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng revealed in early April a rabies-positive case involving a cat out of eight cases state-wide from March 28 to April 6. Four of these rabies cases were reported in Kuching. Although the case involving a stray cat was by no means the first such case, Wee said it should alert people to be more vigilant against the disease. There have been campaigns to catch stray dogs and for the mass-vaccination of pet dogs so as to contain the spread of the disease in humans, but no similar campaigns of rounding up stray cats and vaccinating felines have taken place. The greatest enemy in the anti-rabies exercise may well be public complacency. Since reported cases of human infection are relatively few, the community is easily lulled into thinking the rabies scourge is contained. Greater resources ought to be committed towards creating greater general awareness of the disease, its symptoms and the importance of early treatment to avoid succumbing to it. With the horrors of the Covid-19 pandemic still fresh in public memory and the threat of the mass spread of life-threatening viruses becoming increasingly prevalent, efforts must be redoubled to nip potential new public-health crises in the bud. Although it is too late to put the rabies genie back into the bottle, lessons must be identified and remedies thought up so the state will be well-prepared for the next such public health threat. Perhaps the special high-level state ad-hoc committee that springs into action in the event of any public emergency, such as a natural or public-health disaster, needs to be institutionalised as a professionally run rapid-reaction agency that swiftly contains health threats. Kuching is not just famed for its ubiquitous cat statues but stray cats roaming its streets, sustained by residents leaving food for them. Cat-lovers — both locals and visitors — stop to admire the street felines, taking pictures with them and invariably even patting them. Should there be an uptick in cases of cat-borne rabies in Kuching or other parts of the state, public attention must be stepped up to highlight the health risks posed by public affection lavished on cats. It will, of course, be deeply disappointing if there comes the time when the animal that is Kuching's mascot gets closely associated with a dreaded disease. The public and officials alike must all do their utmost to avoid such a terrible eventuality. Unfortunately, complacency will only make that eventuality inevitable. Related Articles Nation Jan 22, 2025 @ 9:37am Sarawak enforces new anti-rabies vaccination order Nation Mar 29, 2025 @ 3:06am Sarawak records 11 new rabies cases in March Politics May 11, 2025 @ 2:36am Zahid to Umno: No room for complacency, bigger battles ahead Nation Apr 17, 2025 @ 8:00pm Promising results, but an uphill battle for 'climate warriors'
Borneo Post
22-06-2025
- Health
- Borneo Post
Sarawak records new rabies case involving cat in Matang
A screengrab of Wee during the Facebook live session. KUCHING (June 22): Sarawak recorded yet another new rabies case involving a cat, ending a two-week period with no new infections, said Kuching South Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng. Speaking during his Facebook live session 'Shall WEE Talk', he said the latest case occurred at Mile 13, Matang here. 'This new case once again reminds us that rabies does not only affect dogs but also cats. 'It is possible that cats that roam around in the community get infected through the saliva of the rabid dogs,' he explained. In light of this, Wee appealed to pet owners to keep their dogs and cats within the compound of their residences. He emphasised that pets should not be allowed to roam freely outside. The Mayor also revealed that a memorandum of understanding (MoU) is currently being finalised by the relevant authorities to the expand mass rabies vaccination efforts to include cats. Wee advised the public not to wait for free government vaccinations, encouraging pet owners to vaccinate their animals whenever necessary. Meanwhile, Wee expressed delight that the Sarawak Traffic Games was held at the Kenyalang Traffic Garden yesterday to raise road safety awareness among the younger generation. He noted that such competition had not been held at the venue for over a decade. 'This competition will be organised next year to involve as many primary schools as possible. It should be an inter-school event.' Wee stressed that promoting road safety among young children is essential so they grow up to practise and uphold courtesy, which contributes to reducing road accidents. cat lead rabies Shall WEE Talk wee hong seng
Borneo Post
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Cosplay, K-POP dance challenges to highlight youth talent at Kuching Fest 2025
Wee (sixth left) joins others for a group photo after the press conference. – Sarawak Public Communications Unit photo KUCHING (June 19): The 'Cosplay Competition' and 'K-Stage: K-POP Cover Dance Challenge', two exciting youth-focused events, will be featured as part of the Kuching Festival 2025 set to take place this August. The initiative is spearheaded by Kuching South City Council (MBKS) as part of its ongoing efforts to empower youth through creative and inclusive platforms. Kuching South Mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng highlighted the importance of such youth-centric programmes, especially in a rapidly evolving world where the voices and interests of the younger generation are increasingly vital. 'As a local authority, we believe that celebrating culture and community also must include ideas, talents and dreams from the next generation,' he told a press conference, as reported by the Sarawak Public Communications Unit. He added that the council's approach to youth development aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in the areas of health and well-being, quality education, sustainable cities and communities, and strategic partnerships. The Cosplay Competition will take place on Aug 2 from 5pm to 11pm at the MBKS Theatre. Open to all Malaysian citizens, the competition will feature two categories: Junior (ages 5 to 12) and Open (ages 13 and above). The Junior Category offers cash prizes of RM600 (champion), RM400 (first runner-up), RM300 (third place), as well as RM200 each for Best Pose, Best Character, and Audience Choice. Open Category winners will receive RM1,000 (champion), RM800 (first runner-up), RM500 (third place), and RM200 each for Best Pose, Best Character, and Audience Choice. Participation is free, and registration can be completed online from June 20 to July 29 via The K-POP Dance Challenge will follow on Aug 3 from 5pm to 10.30pm, also at the MBKS Theatre, with cash prizes of RM2,000 (champion), RM1,000 (first runner-up), RM500 (third place), RM500 (Best Costume), RM500 (Best Costume Design), and RM100 each to five winners for Best Random Dance Performance. Registration is also free and can be done online via with the closing date on July 15. cosplay dance challenge K-pop Kuching Festival MBKS
Borneo Post
18-06-2025
- General
- Borneo Post
MBKS upgrading open spaces to enhance quality of life
Wee (fourth left) performs the site handing-over ceremony to the contractor for the project at Lorong Bayor Bukit 14. KUCHING (June 18): Two open spaces — at Lorong Bayor Bukit 14 and Lorong F, Taman BDC — are undergoing landscape upgrading by the Kuching South City Council (MBKS) and the National Landscape Department. In a statement, Kuching South mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng expressed appreciation for the funding support provided by the National Landscape Department and reaffirmed the council's commitment to improving community spaces. 'MBKS will continue to explore further improvements that strengthen community spaces, foster intergenerational interaction, and elevate the quality of life in Kuching South,' he said. He added that the council remains committed to creating a city that prioritises the health, development, and happiness of residents across all age groups through continuous infrastructure upgrades and service enhancements. On the upgrading at Lorong Bayor Bukit 14, Wee said it is being implemented under the Development of Living Environment Landscape initiative, and is scheduled to be completed within 16 weeks. 'The project officially commenced on June 11, and its expected completion is on Oct 1 this year. 'This initiative will see the transformation of the open space located within a residential area into a safe, welcoming recreational hub for the surrounding community. Wee (seated in an excavator) performs the symbolic earth-breaking ceremony for the project at Lorong F, Taman BDC. 'Key upgrades include the construction of a new footpath with proper drainage, installation of a children playset, fitness equipment, gazebo, concrete table tennis table, hopscotch game, solar-powered lighting, and new trees and shrubs,' he added. Meanwhile, Wee said the upgrading at Lorong F, Taman BDC commenced on June 9 and its expected completion date is set for Sept 29 this year. 'The works will include a new entrance pavilion and signage, upgraded walkways, modern playsets for children, outdoor fitness equipment for seniors, and the planting of new trees and shrubs — all of which aim to make the park more inviting, safe, and accessible to all users. 'This park has long served the BDC community, and it is our responsibility to ensure that it evolves to meet the growing needs of our children and elderly.' He added that public parks and open spaces play a crucial role in fostering community interaction, healthy lifestyles, and environmental sustainability. He also emphasised the significance of enhancing parks and open spaces in line with the council's commitment to the Child Friendly Cities Initiative (CFCI) and the promotion of an age-friendly city. 'Open spaces, such as theses ones, are vital to encourage active lifestyles, community bonding, and metal well-being, particularly among our children and elders. 'Through projects like these, MBKS is working toward creating inclusive, friendly, and safe neighbourhoods for all generation,' added Wee.
Borneo Post
17-06-2025
- General
- Borneo Post
MBKS upgrades open spaces to enhance life quality
Wee (fourth left) performs the site handing-over ceremony to the contractor for the project at Lorong Bayor Bukit 14. KUCHING (June 18): Two open spaces — at Lorong Bayor Bukit 14 and Lorong F, Taman BDC — are undergoing landscape upgrading by the Kuching South City Council (MBKS) and the National Landscape Department. In a statement, Kuching South mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng expressed appreciation for the funding support provided by the National Landscape Department and reaffirmed the council's commitment to improving community spaces. 'MBKS will continue to explore further improvements that strengthen community spaces, foster intergenerational interaction, and elevate the quality of life in Kuching South,' he said. He added that the council remains committed to creating a city that prioritises the health, development, and happiness of residents across all age groups through continuous infrastructure upgrades and service enhancements. On the upgrading at Lorong Bayor Bukit 14, Wee said it is being implemented under the Development of Living Environment Landscape initiative, and is scheduled to be completed within 16 weeks. 'The project officially commenced on June 11, and its expected completion is on Oct 1 this year. 'This initiative will see the transformation of the open space located within a residential area into a safe, welcoming recreational hub for the surrounding community. Wee (seated in an excavator) performs the symbolic earth-breaking ceremony for the project at Lorong F, Taman BDC. 'Key upgrades include the construction of a new footpath with proper drainage, installation of a children playset, fitness equipment, gazebo, concrete table tennis table, hopscotch game, solar-powered lighting, and new trees and shrubs,' he added. Meanwhile, Wee said the upgrading at Lorong F, Taman BDC commenced on June 9 and its expected completion date is set for Sept 29 this year. 'The works will include a new entrance pavilion and signage, upgraded walkways, modern playsets for children, outdoor fitness equipment for seniors, and the planting of new trees and shrubs — all of which aim to make the park more inviting, safe, and accessible to all users. 'This park has long served the BDC community, and it is our responsibility to ensure that it evolves to meet the growing needs of our children and elderly.' He added that public parks and open spaces play a crucial role in fostering community interaction, healthy lifestyles, and environmental sustainability. He also emphasised the significance of enhancing parks and open spaces in line with the council's commitment to the Child Friendly Cities Initiative (CFCI) and the promotion of an age-friendly city. 'Open spaces, such as theses ones, are vital to encourage active lifestyles, community bonding, and metal well-being, particularly among our children and elders. 'Through projects like these, MBKS is working toward creating inclusive, friendly, and safe neighbourhoods for all generation,' added Wee.
