SARAWAK TARGETS 45,567 DOGS IN STATEWIDE ANTI-RABIES DRIVE

KUCHING, Jan 22 (Bernama) -- The Sarawak state government is intensifying efforts to curb the spread of rabies through the implementation of comprehensive and phased dog vaccination programmes across the state, involving multi-agency collaboration.

Sarawak Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom said the state is targeting to vaccinate approximately 45,567 owned dogs as part of a comprehensive rabies control and dog population management strategy, which also includes licensing, microchipping, subsidised neutering and public awareness campaigns.

“The programmes include mass dog vaccination campaigns, targeted spot vaccination, as well as house-to-house and village-to-village vaccination activities conducted by divisional veterinary offices, Immune Belt Enforcement Teams (IBET) and private veterinary clinics.

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“The initiatives are being carried out by the Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak (DVSS) with the cooperation of the Ministry of Health (MOH), local councils under the state’s Ministry of Public Health, Housing and Local Government (MPHLG), IBET, Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS) and private veterinary clinics,” he said when contacted by Bernama.

Rundi stressed that these efforts are implemented in line with the Anti-Rabies Vaccination Order made under Section 40(1) of the Veterinary Public Health Ordinance, 1999, which mandates rabies vaccination for all dogs in Sarawak, including those in previously infected and non-infected areas.

He stated that the directive remains in force until officially revoked, adding that enforcement teams from DVSS and local councils will jointly ensure compliance with vaccination programmes and responsible pet ownership, as required under the Veterinary Public Health Ordinance, 1999 and the Local Authorities (Dog Licensing and Control) By-Laws, 2018.

Rabies was first detected in Sarawak in mid-2017, with several divisions subsequently declared infected areas, prompting the state to implement movement control measures, mass vaccination programmes and the establishment of IBET along state and international borders.

As of December 2025, Sarawak has recorded a cumulative total of 89 human rabies cases since the outbreak was declared nine years ago.

Rundi said dog owners are advised to ensure their pets are appropriately vaccinated and to comply with all directives issued by the authorities, noting that collective responsibility remains critical to safeguarding public health and preventing a resurgence of rabies in Sarawak.

-- BERNAMA