Sarawak launches statewide drive to vaccinate over 45,000 dogs against rabies

A dog being administered with the anti-rabies vaccine during a vaccination programme in this file photo.

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, Jan 22: Sarawak aims to vaccinate 45,567 dogs statewide as part of its efforts to control rabies and manage the dog population.

Sarawak Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom said the programme is being implemented through comprehensive and phased vaccination exercises involving multiple agencies.

“The programmes include mass dog vaccination campaigns, targeted spot vaccinations, as well as house-to-house and village-to-village vaccination activities conducted by divisional veterinary offices, Immune Belt Enforcement Teams (IBET), and private veterinary clinics.

“These initiatives are carried out by the Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak (DVSS) with the cooperation of the Ministry of Health (MOH), local councils under the state Ministry of Public Health, Housing and Local Government (MPHLG), IBET, the Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas), and private veterinary clinics,” he was quoted as saying by Bernama.

He added that the programme also involves dog licensing, microchipping, subsidised neutering, and awareness campaigns to curb the spread of rabies.

Rundi said the measures are implemented in accordance with the Anti-Rabies Vaccination Order made under Section 40(1) of the Veterinary Public Health Ordinance, 1999, which mandates rabies vaccination for all dogs in Sarawak.

He said the directive applies to both previously infected and non-infected areas and remains in force until officially revoked.

He added that enforcement teams from DVSS and local councils will ensure vaccination programmes are complied with and that pets are properly cared for under the Veterinary Public Health Ordinance, 1999, and the Local Authorities (Dog Licensing and Control) By-Laws, 2018.

Since rabies was detected in Sarawak in mid-2017, authorities have imposed movement restrictions, launched mass vaccination programmes, and set up IBET checkpoints at key border areas.

As of December 2025, Sarawak has recorded a cumulative total of 89 human rabies cases since the outbreak was declared nine years ago.

Rundi urged dog owners to vaccinate their pets and comply with all directives to protect public health and prevent a resurgence of rabies. — DayakDaily