Pet dog and stray test positive for rabies in Sarawak

KUCHING (Dec 7): Sarawak recorded two rabies-positive cases involving a pet dog and a stray in the past week, said Kuching South Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng.

He said the pet dog in Bau, which was left roaming freely, had bitten members of the public, increasing the risks of the spread of the deadly disease.

“Another case was reported in Sungai Tapang Ulu, where the stray involved was tested positive for rabies,” he said during his Facebook live session ‘Shall WEE Talk’ on Saturday.

Wee reminded everyone to remain vigilant, noting that two animal rabies cases had been reported since the beginning of this month.

Prior to this, he said Sarawak had not recorded any of such cases for weeks.

“We shall not take this matter lightly. The community must avoid coming into contact with any animals, particularly strays and wild ones.

“It is equally important for pet owners to make sure that their dogs and cats are given the anti-rabies jab on a regular basis,” he said.

On an unrelated issue, Wee said local authorities have by-laws to penalise litterbugs.

Under the existing legal framework, he said those who are caught littering will face penalties, and local councils are empowered to enforce stricter penalties.

Parliament passed the Solid Waste Management and Public Cleansing (Amendment) Bill 2025 in July, imposing community service orders in addition to fines for littering offences in public places.

Offenders will be required to fulfil up to 12 hours of community service while wearing a special vest to raise civic awareness on environmental cleanliness.