KUCHING: Another individual from Kampung Bumbok here has been confirmed as the latest victim of rabies.
Kuching South City Council (MBKS) mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng said this brought the number of fatalities to nine.
Previously, it was reported that Sarawak recorded 11 rabies cases and eight deaths in the first four months of 2023.
Wee said he understood the feelings of pet lovers but also emphasised that the local councils are taking action in order to eradicate rabies.
“The joint rabies operation between the local councils is to capture stray dogs that are without owners and roaming around in public areas without microchip or dog license.
“However, there are certain groups of people who have accused the local authorities of breaking into people’s property to catch the dogs and it was circulated on social media. We have read it and this is not true,” he said.
Wee spoke to the media after attending the Improving Solid Waste Management in Urban Areas Workshop here on Thursday (May 11).
He added that vaccination programme covered six areas under the Padawan Municipal Council and called for cooperation from every parties to curb the spread of rabies.
Wee also urged the public to not spread any false rumours regarding the current rabies operation on social media as it would give a bad impression on the local authorities.
“We do not kill dogs for fun. We just want to protect human lives.”
He also advised dog owners to not let their dogs out from their compounds throughout the operation and assured that the local authorities would not force their way into one’s property.
MBKS, Kuching North City Hall and Padawan Municipal Council are currently conducting a joint operation in Kuching Division from May 8 to 12.
