KUCHING: All accusations such as entering private properties without permission and the shooting of dogs indiscriminately are not true at all.
Deputy Commissioner of the State Police Contingent DCP Datuk Pahlawan Mohd Dzuraidi Ibrahim said in a press statement yesterday that in order to enter the private area, officers must first ask permission from the proprietor.
He added that the dogs shot were strays which were found roaming around the area.
“To counter negative perceptions and responses especially on social media, it is imperative that the officers involved in this operation are well-trained and have been given detailed explanations regarding the tasks carried out in accordance with the existing rules, laws and standard operating procedures (SOPs).”
He also said that based on the situation, the National Disaster Management Policy and Mechanism (MKN 20) has been activated by the State Disaster Management Committee (JBPN) to mobilise resources under its control to help address the rabies outbreak.
“The rabies outbreak has been declared a second stage disaster by the state government following the spread of the epidemic in 61 areas throughout the state which has resulted in a total of 16 deaths and one still receiving treatment as well as reports of dog bites.”
Meanwhile, he said that a workshop held at Damai Beach Resort in Santubong from Jan 16 to 18, 2019 was attended by the departments and agencies involved.
“The result of the workshop was resolved with the main objective of the operation would be to find, bring and put stray dogs to sleep and controlling its movement in the operation areas,” said Pahlawan.
In addition to the SOP that has been designed for this operation, it will also be applicable to the existing laws and regulations such as Laws Of Sarawak Chapter 32 – Veterinary Public Health Ordinance 1999 which will be used as a guide to the officers.
Datuk Pahlawan further informed that from March 1 to 10, 2019, the Phase 1 operation has been activated in Lundu and Bau districts while Phase 2 from April 4 to 13, 2019 in Padawan and Samarahan districts.
“During the two phases, a total of 27 police reports were made and most of the reports were about the dissatisfaction with the operations carried out and the allegations of officers entering private areas without permission.”
To provide a clearer explanation, various programmes have been conducted by vaccination teams and also by the Information Department which has conducted various awareness programmes on the dangers of rabies which mostly result from dog bites.
“Therefore, I would like to advise the public to contact the PDRM, the state government, relevant departments or agencies such as the Malaysian Armed Forces, the Veterinary Services Department, the Health Ministry, the Local Authorities or the Sarawak Public Communication Unit to obtain a clearer explanation of this operation and should not continue to believe the contents of the social media that cannot be confirmed legally,” he said.
Datuk Pahlawan further added that the PDRM and relevant departments or agencies are also ready to hold talks or explanation sessions to the public as needed, to ensure the smooth running of this operation.
“PDRM needs a full cooperation from the community to ensure that the planned objectives are met.”
