Kuching: The Sarawak Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory has reported 11 new rabies cases for the month of March, following multiple incidents involving bites from stray and free-roaming pet dogs across the districts of Kuching, Padawan, and Bau.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Sarawak Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development, Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom, identified the affected locations as Kampung Sejijak, Batu Kawa, Kampung Surih Stapok, MJC Factory Batu Kawa, Jalan Stephen Yong, Jalan Penrissen Padawan, Jalan Sebuku Buso, Pekan Paku Bau, Jalan Bau Lama, Kampung Nyabut Trombol, Taman Hillside Matang, and Taman Desa Sejijak. In response to these detections, the Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak (DVSS) has mandated that all pet owners within a one-kilometre radius of the infected areas vaccinate their pets immediately.

The public has been reminded that failure to comply with anti-rabies vaccination requirements constitutes an offence under the Veterinary Public Health Ordinance (VPHO) 1999, which is punishable by a fine of up to RM2,500. To curb the spread of rabies, DVSS will organize free rabies vaccination, dog licensing, and microchipping events at Dewan Masyarakat, Jalan Padungan on April 12 and Balai Raya Desa Wira on April 26, from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.

Dr Rundi underscored that pet owners must also apply for a dog licence and microchip their pets through their respective local councils. Failure to obtain a licence is an offence under Section 3 of the Dog Licensing and Control By-laws 2018, carrying a fine of up to RM5,000. Additionally, pet dumping is an offence under Section 73 of the VPHO 1999, which carries a fine of up to RM2,000.

He further mentioned that according to state Health Department data, the cumulative number of human rabies cases in Sarawak since July 2017 remains at 83, with 76 fatalities. Notably, no deaths have been reported this year so far.