Oral rabies vaccination programme expanded to Taman Malihah amid heightened concern

Stray dog vaccination operation underway in residential areas of Taman Malihah, targeting hard-to-reach animal populations. Photo credit: Ukas

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, Apr 14: A pilot Oral Rabies Vaccination (ORV) programme has been expanded to Taman Malihah as part of stepped-up rabies control efforts in Sarawak, following heightened public concern over recent cases including the death of a 10-year-old child linked to rabies infection in the area.

According to a report by the Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas), the initiative led by the Sarawak Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA) aims to increase vaccination coverage among stray dogs through vaccine baiting, complementing existing state-led injection programmes.

Its rollout in Malihah comes as authorities intensify intervention measures in residential areas where stray dog populations are harder to manage, with the aim of reducing the risk of community transmission.

The programme was observed today by chief political secretary to Sarawak Premier Dato Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman, underscoring the State’s close monitoring of the initiative.

SSPCA said the ORV approach is part of a broader operational framework that includes initial training, large-scale vaccination drives, door-to-door operations and post-vaccination monitoring with 25 teams deployed throughout the exercise to ensure coverage and effectiveness.

In addition to local implementation, the programme is being supported through international collaboration with World Veterinary Services and Mission Rabies alongside local volunteers and health authorities to assess outcomes and strengthen technical capacity.

The urgency of these efforts has been heightened following a recent rabies-related fatality involving a child in the Malihah area which has reinforced calls for faster and more coordinated preventive action at community level.

Looking ahead, a 12-month evaluation will be conducted with the Department of Veterinary Services to assess the effectiveness of ORV including its potential application for unvaccinated puppies.

Meanwhile, residents are being urged to cooperate with field teams and ensure their pets are vaccinated as part of ongoing efforts to curb rabies transmission across Sarawak. — DayakDaily