KUCHING: The public are urged to get their dogs vaccinated at the mass vaccination, licensing and microchipping programme on Saturday (May 21) in Kuching and Bintulu.
Minister for Modernisation of Agriculture and Regional Development, Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom said the programme would be held at two locations, namely SJK Chung Hua Batu Kawa, Kuching and Balai Raya Sebauh, Bintulu.
The programme, conducted by the Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak (DVSS), would be carried out from 9am to 3pm.
“Under the Anti-Rabies Vaccination Order, all dogs in Sarawak must be vaccinated.
“As a reminder, any owner or person in charge of a dog who failed without reasonable cause to comply with the Anti-Rabies Vaccination Order shall be guilty of an offence.
“The penalty is a fine of up to RM2,500 under Section 40 of the Veterinary Public Health Ordinance (VPHO) 1999. Dogs without evidence of vaccination may be detained or destroyed under this section,” he said .
To date, a total of 220,534 dogs have been vaccinated against rabies by DVSS since the outbreak was declared in the state in 2017.
From January to May 19 this year, there were a total of 20 areas in Sarawak where dogs had tested positive for rabies.
The areas are Kampung Sungai Tapang, Wei Yuan Xiang Seafood Batu Kawa, Batu 10 Padawan, Batu 11 Jalan Kuching-Serian (two cases) Padawan, Taman Beverly Hill Padawan and Batu 11 ½ Jalan Kuching-Serian Padawan, Kampung Tebako, Kampung Jangkar, Kampung Selampit, Munggu Demam Batu Lintang and Jalan Kedang, Rh Philip Sg Ara, Lorong Kandis 6D Sibu and Telok Assan Jalan Paradom Sibu, Sungai Tulai Bintangor Sarikei and Jalan Bukit Ensuna Serian, Taman Dasing, Kampung Tengah Perpat and Tanjung Kidurong.
“All these new rabies positive areas are still within the 10km radius of the previously declared rabies-infected areas, which was last declared in July 2021.
“A total of 72 areas in Sarawak have been declared as rabies-infected areas: Kuching (seven), Kota Samarahan (four), Serian (22), Sri Aman (six), Betong (three), Sarikei (five), Sibu (three), Kapit (one), Mukah (six), Bintulu (five), Miri (eight) and Limbang (two).”
Dr Rundi pointed out that anti-rabies vaccination was ongoing and dog owners could bring their dogs to the nearest Divisional Veterinary Offices to get their free anti-rabies vaccination during office hours.
