Wee (third right) at a press conference at MBKS on latest rabid cases on Jan 11, 2024.

By Wilfred Pilo

KUCHING, Jan 11: Within 24 hours, a rabid dog at Tabuan Desa Indah has bitten 11 persons on Jan 7 (last Sunday) with the youngest victim aged 11 and the oldest, 81.

Apart from the rabid dog of Tabuan Desa Indah, another infected dog at Lorong Tabuan Timur, Jalan Tabuan has also victimised a local resident, said Kuching City South Council (MBKS) Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng.

“I am sending my thoughts and wishes to the families of the 12 people bitten by these rabid dogs and hoping for a full recovery,” he told reporters at a press conference today.

Wee said he is disturbed and distressed by what happened to these 12 victims.

These 12 victims and their families are now facing the horrifying experience of having to wait for months to see if their treatment would be effective.

Wee expressed regrets that majority deaths involving rabies so far have been due to victims’ failure to report dog bite incidences they suffered to the authorities.

He urged everyone to prioritise and take responsibility for their health.

“Always go and seek assessment and treatment even if you are bitten by your pet, or dog or cat known to you,” he said.

Also present are his deputy mayor Dato Zaiedi Suhaili and MBKS councillors. — DayakDaily