SIBU: Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing, and Local Government, Datuk Michael Tiang Ming Tee has stressed the crucial role of community cooperation in reporting any suspicious or aggressive animals to the authorities to reduce rabies cases.
He emphasised that rabies is a deadly disease that poses a significant threat to community health and safety.
“To effectively address rabies cases, we need to enhance our proactive stance. If you encounter animals behaving strangely, please don’t hesitate to contact the local authorities.
“Taking swift action in such situations can save lives,” he said in his speech read by Councillor Simon Ling at the Rabies Vaccination Programme and Rabies Awareness Talk organised by the Sibu Chinese Community Leaders Association at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Tung Hua here today (Oct 21).
The Pelawan assemblyman also emphasised the importance of raising awareness about rabies, noting that education is the most powerful weapon in combating this disease.
“We must spread the word about the importance of vaccinating pets and the dangers posed by rabies-infected animals in our community,” he said.
He added that it is the responsibility of everyone to ensure that pet owners have the latest information about vaccinations.
“This not only protects them but also helps create a barrier against rabies in our city. Let’s collectively strive to promote responsible pet ownership,” he concluded.
The event also offered free health check-ups, rabies awareness lectures, and rabies vaccine injections.
Also present were Sibu Chinese Community Leaders Association Temenggong Datuk Vincent Lau Lee Ming and others.
