KUCHING: As at June 30, 2018, 13,974 animal bites have been reported in the state.
According to the Minister of Local Government and Housing, Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian. 4,153 patients have also been given anti-rabies vaccination.
“Public awareness programmes on rabies were also carried out by way of flyers as well as banners and also through various health promotion programmes.
“On animal vaccination, my ministry has started a pilot project called “House to House Vaccination” and so far, we have visited 7,688 houses and vaccinated 2,836 dogs under this project,” he said in his winding up speech during the State Legislative Assembly sitting here yesterday.
In his speech, Sim also stressed the importance of dog pounds for the local authorities to control the dog population more effectively.
“For a start, my ministry is putting up a proposal to set up three regional dog pounds, namely, in Kuching, Sibu and Miri to cater to the needs of the local authorities in the regions,” he said.
Sim also thanked all the local authorities, health and veterinary staff as well as the non-governmental organisations (NGOs) for working relentlessly over the years in the fight against rabies.
“Rabies has caused the state millions (of ringgit) and the state can only be declared as “rabies free” if in the next two years, there is no new human and canine positive case.
“A fight against rabies is not the sole responsibility of the local authorities and the related agencies as everyone has a role to play.
“I therefore urge all in this august House to play an active role in creating awareness on this deadly disease,” he added.
