Sarawak ramps up comprehensive rabies strategy, vaccination drive

KUCHING (Dec 2): The Sarawak government is intensifying efforts to combat rabies, implementing state-wide eradication programmes to protect both residents and animals, said Food Industry, Community and Regional Development Minister Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom.

He noted that his ministry, through the Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak and in collaboration with UKPS, local councils, and other agencies, will continue rolling out rabies control measures.

“Collaboration with international partners will also be strengthened to support ongoing rabies control efforts,” he said during his ministerial winding-up speech at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) on Tuesday.

As of Oct 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 cases involved unvaccinated pets allowed to roam freely.

Dr Rundi made the remarks in response to Violet Yong (DAP-Pending), who raised concerns over Sarawak’s rabies crisis during last Wednesday’s debate on the State Budget 2026.

Yong noted that despite eight years of battling rabies and more than 80 deaths, the state still lacks a comprehensive strategy.

She urged the government to establish a dedicated Public Anti-Rabies Education Unit to focus on awareness, proper post-bite response, responsible pet ownership, and mandatory vaccination for both dogs and cats.

“If Sarawak cannot control rabies after eight years, it is clear our agencies need external expertise.

“Countries like Japan and other Western nations eradicated rabies through compulsory pet vaccination, and Sarawak must follow suit,” she said, emphasising that cats are now the main source of bite incidents.