(Kuching, 2nd) Kuching South City Council (MBKS) yesterday reminded dog owners that failure to vaccinate their dogs against rabies may result in a maximum fine of RM2,000, emphasizing that the authorities will no longer accept any excuses.
MBKS will be holding a free rabies vaccination drive, dog license registration, microchipping, and subsidized neutering services this Saturday (October 4th), from 8:30am to 4:30pm, at the Sarawak Basketball Association Building, Lorong 3, Taman Seng Goon.
MBKS mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng stated that rabies prevention is not just the government's responsibility but is a joint obligation between the authorities and the community.
"Since Sarawak was declared a rabies-infected area in 2017, the government has taken many measures to protect residents and pets. However, rabies is still a very serious threat, and we must continue to strengthen our prevention efforts." He pointed this out at a press conference at the MBKS headquarters yesterday.
This program is jointly organized by MBKS, the Sarawak Department of Veterinary Services (DVSS), and partner organizations, urging dog owners to vaccinate their dogs annually, register and microchip them for identification, and support neutering to control the stray dog population.
The first 100 registered and vaccinated female dogs will receive a neutering subsidy of RM150.
Wee Hong Seng emphasized: "We want to make it easier for dog owners to do the right thing—vaccinate their dogs every year, ensure registration and microchipping, and support neutering to reduce stray dogs. Since all these services are free, there is no reason not to participate. If someone still insists on not doing so, we can only impose a fine. This time, I will not grant any waivers."
Dog owners are urged to bring their identification cards and pet vaccination cards, and to ensure their dogs are healthy, over three months old, and not pregnant. After vaccination, dogs must be isolated for 28 days. When going out, dogs must be kept on a leash and must not interact with unfamiliar dogs.
He also thanked all participating organizations, veterinary personnel, and volunteers for their support and called for public cooperation.
"I hope everyone can cherish these efforts. Please show your gratitude through action—bring your dogs to get vaccinated. This not only helps us, but also helps yourselves, and helps Sarawak achieve the goal of being rabies-free by 2030."
MBKS will be holding a free rabies vaccination drive, dog license registration, microchipping, and subsidized neutering services this Saturday (October 4th), from 8:30am to 4:30pm, at the Sarawak Basketball Association Building, Lorong 3, Taman Seng Goon.
MBKS mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng stated that rabies prevention is not just the government's responsibility but is a joint obligation between the authorities and the community.
"Since Sarawak was declared a rabies-infected area in 2017, the government has taken many measures to protect residents and pets. However, rabies is still a very serious threat, and we must continue to strengthen our prevention efforts." He pointed this out at a press conference at the MBKS headquarters yesterday.
This program is jointly organized by MBKS, the Sarawak Department of Veterinary Services (DVSS), and partner organizations, urging dog owners to vaccinate their dogs annually, register and microchip them for identification, and support neutering to control the stray dog population.
The first 100 registered and vaccinated female dogs will receive a neutering subsidy of RM150.
Wee Hong Seng emphasized: "We want to make it easier for dog owners to do the right thing—vaccinate their dogs every year, ensure registration and microchipping, and support neutering to reduce stray dogs. Since all these services are free, there is no reason not to participate. If someone still insists on not doing so, we can only impose a fine. This time, I will not grant any waivers."
Dog owners are urged to bring their identification cards and pet vaccination cards, and to ensure their dogs are healthy, over three months old, and not pregnant. After vaccination, dogs must be isolated for 28 days. When going out, dogs must be kept on a leash and must not interact with unfamiliar dogs.
He also thanked all participating organizations, veterinary personnel, and volunteers for their support and called for public cooperation.
"I hope everyone can cherish these efforts. Please show your gratitude through action—bring your dogs to get vaccinated. This not only helps us, but also helps yourselves, and helps Sarawak achieve the goal of being rabies-free by 2030."