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File photo of a dog receiving vaccination during an anti-rabies vaccination programme in Sibu recently.
KUCHING (Jan 20): All dogs in Sarawak must be vaccinated against rabies starting today, following the gazetting of the new Anti-Rabies Vaccination Order under the Veterinary Public Health Ordinance 1999.
Signed by State Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom today, the order covers all dogs — both in rabies-infected and unaffected areas — and will remain in force until formally revoked.
When announcing this move on Dec 2 last year, Dr Rundi said the order is part of Sarawak’s ongoing efforts to protect residents and animals from rabies.
He added that the ministry, through the Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak and in collaboration with Sarawak Security and Enforcement Unit (UKPS), local councils, and other agencies, will continue rolling out state-wide rabies control initiatives.
As of October 31, 2025, 48 of 646 animal samples tested positive for rabies, with cases reported in Kuching, Padawan, Bintulu, Bau, Sebauh, Asajaya, Lundu, and Belaga.
Most of the infections involved unvaccinated pets allowed to roam freely.
Dog owners are urged to comply promptly with the vaccination requirement to safeguard public health and prevent further spread of rabies.
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