MPKS offers incentives to encourage owners to license their pets

KOTA SAMARAHAN (July 17): Kota Samarahan Municipal Council (MPKS) will offer special incentives to owners of the first 100 dogs registered during their Stop Rabies Programme, scheduled to be held from July 27 to 28 at Dewan Perpaduan Stakan Taman Samarindah.

According to MPKS councillor and Standing Committee for Community Development and Tourism chairman Dr Florince Christy, this is to encourage dog owners in Samarahan Division to license their pets.

“This programme is open to all dog owners in the Samarahan Division. This includes areas such as Asajaya, Sadong Jaya and other areas which are under Samarahan Division.

“A voucher for a RM110 discount on the dog license fee and a RM150 subsidy for dog neutering are available for the first 100 dogs licensed during the event.

“The licensing fees are set at RM10 for neutered dogs and RM30 for non-neutered dogs,” she told a press conference at the MPKS building yesterday.

She said the programme will also provide crucial services such as vaccination, microchipping and neutering of dogs, supporting the government’s effort to eradicate rabies and promote responsible pet ownership.

“This event aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3 (Good Health and Well-being), 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

“We thus invite all dog owners to take part in this significant initiative because vaccination and proper licensing are critical steps in ensuring the health and safety of our communities.”

Florince also said MPKS is committed to making Kota Samarahan a rabies-free zone, and with the support of their partners and the community the council believe they can achieve the goal, underscoring the importance of public-private partnerships in addressing public health concerns and enhancing community well-being.

Meanwhile, to support their Stop Rables Programme, MPKS is also organising the ‘Stop the Rabies Poster Competition’ among primary school children.

The closing date for students to submit their artwork is July 25 before 4pm, and application forms can be obtained from the MPKS website, Facebook, and the MPKS Library.

“Prizes for the competition include first prize of RM120 with trophy plus certificate, second prize of RM80 with trophy plus certificate, third prize of RM50 with trophy plus certificate and 30 consolation prizes of trophy plus certificate.

“We encourage all primary school children to participate in the poster competition. It is a wonderful opportunity to raise awareness of rabies and to engage young minds in the fight against this disease,” she said.

The MPKS’ Stop Rabies Programme will be held in collaboration with Boehringer Ingelheim, Sarawak Veterinary Department, Samarahan Health Department and the Samarahan District Office.

Sarawak Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA), Komuniti Rukun Tetangga (KRT) Taman Samarindah Baru, and KRT Taman Samarindah Lama will also be involved in the programme.