SARIKEI: People have been urged to always be vigilant and take proactive steps to contain the rabies and dengue fever outbreaks.
Tanjung Manis MP Yusuf Abdul Wahab said both are still prevalent among communities in urban and rural areas.
He said data from the Ministry of Health until mid-June this year shows a 149.6 per cent increase in dengue cases compared to 2022, resulting in a 160 per cent increase in the death rate in Malaysia.
He made these remarks at the dengue and rabies awareness programme at the Kampung Selalang Community Hall recently.
According to him, a total of 11 cases of rabies, including nine deaths have been reported in Sarawak from January to May this year.
“This brings the total number of rabies cases among humans, since the outbreak was declared in July 2017, to 66 cases with 59 deaths in Sarawak.
“Based on this data, we are all aware of the seriousness of the impact of dengue fever and rabies on the healthcare system.
“Therefore, we express our gratitude to the Sarikei District Council and other agencies involved for taking initiatives like going to our rural areas solely to raise awareness among the community, and delivering important information to ensure the local community’s well-being.”
He emphasised the importance of raising awareness on dengue fever and rabies among the community, especially in rural areas.
“I urge all residents of Selalang to take the initiative and make use of this opportunity to learn and get more information brought by the government to this area.
“Spread information using various platforms available so that we are all alert to the current situation,” he said.
He also encouraged the Village Development and Security Committees (JKKK) and longhouse communities to regularly conduct their own programmes in their respective areas.
At the same event, he also announced a contribution of RM5,000 to the Sarikei District Council for their annual activities.
