KUCHING: Rabies remains a deadly yet preventable threat in Sarawak, with authorities now stepping up efforts to improve vaccination coverage and public awareness to curb fatalities.
The programme was launched at Unity Hall Phase 1 and 2, Lorong 12, Jalan RPR Batu Kawa today (April 18), with Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg represented by Minister for Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development, Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom.
Dr Rundi said rabies remains a serious public health concern, noting that since 2017, Sarawak has recorded 93 human cases with 86 deaths.
“That tells us how serious this problem is, and why we must take it very seriously,” he said.
He explained that while dogs remain the primary reservoir of the virus, transmission can extend to other animals such as cats before infecting humans, making vaccination efforts critical in breaking the chain of infection.
To improve coverage, the state is piloting the Oral Rabies Vaccination (ORV) approach in high-risk areas including Batu Kawa, Taman Malihah and Desa Wira, where cases have been frequently reported.
Dr Rundi noted that conventional vaccination methods have faced challenges, particularly in getting pet owners to bring their animals to vaccination centres and in accessing dogs during house-to-house visits.
“With oral vaccination, we are looking at how we can improve coverage, especially for stray and free-roaming dogs,” he said.
He added that the pilot programme will be expanded to other areas, including Serian, if it proves effective.
Beyond vaccination, Dr Rundi stressed the importance of early medical intervention following animal bites, warning that delays in treatment could lead to fatal outcomes once the virus reaches the brain.
“Rabies is treatable if action is taken early, but once it reaches the brain, it is almost irreversible,” he said.
He said the state aims to achieve zero rabies-related deaths by 2030 through sustained vaccination efforts, improved data collection, and stronger public awareness.
Dr Rundi also announced that the Sarawak Government has approved a RM30,000 grant to support the programme, while he personally pledged an additional RM20,000 to further assist ongoing efforts.
He also called for greater community participation, urging pet owners to vaccinate and license their animals while taking responsibility to prevent exposure.
“Vaccination is free, but it is not cheap. The government is spending a lot to prevent deaths,” he said.
He added that collective action involving government agencies, local councils, non-governmental organisations and the public will be key to ensuring the success of the programme.
Dr Rundi said rabies remains a serious public health concern, noting that since 2017, Sarawak has recorded 93 human cases with 86 deaths.
“That tells us how serious this problem is, and why we must take it very seriously,” he said.
He explained that while dogs remain the primary reservoir of the virus, transmission can extend to other animals such as cats before infecting humans, making vaccination efforts critical in breaking the chain of infection.
To improve coverage, the state is piloting the Oral Rabies Vaccination (ORV) approach in high-risk areas including Batu Kawa, Taman Malihah and Desa Wira, where cases have been frequently reported.
Dr Rundi noted that conventional vaccination methods have faced challenges, particularly in getting pet owners to bring their animals to vaccination centres and in accessing dogs during house-to-house visits.
“With oral vaccination, we are looking at how we can improve coverage, especially for stray and free-roaming dogs,” he said.
He added that the pilot programme will be expanded to other areas, including Serian, if it proves effective.
Beyond vaccination, Dr Rundi stressed the importance of early medical intervention following animal bites, warning that delays in treatment could lead to fatal outcomes once the virus reaches the brain.
“Rabies is treatable if action is taken early, but once it reaches the brain, it is almost irreversible,” he said.
He said the state aims to achieve zero rabies-related deaths by 2030 through sustained vaccination efforts, improved data collection, and stronger public awareness.
Dr Rundi also announced that the Sarawak Government has approved a RM30,000 grant to support the programme, while he personally pledged an additional RM20,000 to further assist ongoing efforts.
He also called for greater community participation, urging pet owners to vaccinate and license their animals while taking responsibility to prevent exposure.
“Vaccination is free, but it is not cheap. The government is spending a lot to prevent deaths,” he said.
He added that collective action involving government agencies, local councils, non-governmental organisations and the public will be key to ensuring the success of the programme.