KUCHING, March 22 — The Sarawak state government is studying the best approaches to strengthen efforts in controlling rabies, particularly infections among cats, said Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian. He said discussions have been held with the Sarawak State Health Department and the Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak to develop an integrated action plan. “Rabies continues to be a serious threat in Sarawak, with about half of the reported bites and scratches involving cats, in addition to stray dogs.   “The main challenge in rabies control now is vaccinating cats, which is more difficult because these animals tend to scratch and their saliva can carry the dangerous virus,” he told reporters at the Majlis Ramah Mesra ceremony organised by the Community Leaders and Heads of Community of the Petra Jaya Parliamentary Constituency here today.   Dr Sim, who is also Sarawak’s Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government, reminded the public not to take the rabies threat lightly and to always take preventive measures, including ensuring their pets receive regular vaccinations. “Immediate action must be taken if bitten by a dog or scratched by a cat, which includes washing the wound with water and seeking treatment at a clinic for assessment and vaccination.   “Rabies vaccines for humans are now available in clinics, allowing treatment to be given quickly and effectively,” he said. — Bernama  

Dr Adrian says the samples have been sent to the Muara Tuang Sarawak Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory to determine whether the pigs in the farms were infected with African Swine Fever. — AFP photo SIBU (June 30): The Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) Sibu has deployed personnel to the Salim-Stabau area to inspect reports of pig carcasses allegedly found in a nearby tributary and has collected blood samples from two adjacent pig farms for laboratory testing. When contacted, Sarawak DVS director Datu Dr Adrian Susin said the samples have been sent to the Muara Tuang Sarawak Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory to determine whether the pigs in the farms were infected with African Swine Fever (ASF). “DVS Sibu is investigating the matter and collecting blood samples from two nearby farms for testing at the Muara Tuang Sarawak Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory as we suspect ASF,” he told The Borneo Post. When asked whether samples were taken from the reported carcasses, Dr Adrian said the carcasses could not be located.   He assured the public that pork available in the local market remains safe for consumption as it has undergone stringent veterinary inspection. He also reminded pig farmers to report any signs of disease to DVS as required under the law to enable early detection and prevent potential outbreaks. Meanwhile, State Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government (Public Health and Housing) Datuk Michael Tiang said the Sibu Rural District Council (SRDC) will work closely with DVS Sibu to investigate the matter.   “SRDC will liaise with the DVS Sibu to investigate the matter, as any dead pig carcasses found dumped in public places fall under the jurisdiction of the Veterinary Department for the necessary investigation and appropriate action,” he said. Separately, Sarawak Water Sdn Bhd assured the public that operations at the Salim Water Intake remain normal and unaffected. The utility company said it immediately deployed its operations team to inspect the reported location in accordance with standard operating procedures to assess any potential impact on water quality or supply operations.   “Based on the findings of the site investigation, no abnormalities or incidents were detected within the operational boundary of the Salim Water Intake or any Sarawak Water facilities in the area,” it said in a statement. It clarified that the reported location is outside the operational area of the Salim Water Intake and does not involve any of its assets or infrastructure. “There has been no impact on the safety, quality or continuity of treated water supplied to consumers,” it added. Sarawak Water also said it has informed the Ministry of Health (MoH) and the Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) for their information and any further action deemed necessary.

KUCHING, Sept 20: Cats are increasingly at risk of contracting rabies from dogs, a situation Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr. Sim Kui Hian likened to the antics of “Tom and Jerry.” He explained that just like the cartoon duo, cats and dogs often play with each other, making them highly susceptible to transmitting the disease. "Currently, rabies cases involving cats are only about 2%," he said. "But if more dogs become infected, it will spread to more cats, and then cats can pass it back to humans. It goes around in a circle." He made these comments to reporters after officiating World Rabies Day at the MBKS community hall today. Emphasizing the need for strong community engagement, Dr. Sim, who is also Sarawak's Minister of Public Health, Housing, and Local Government, stressed that vaccinating at least half of the pet dog population could reduce the risk of rabies by 50%. "At the moment, the law does not require cats to be registered, but if necessary, we may need to consider it in the future. We hope it will not come to that," he asserted. --- Meanwhile, Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak (DVSS) director Datu Dr. Adrian Susin Ambud revealed that since the outbreak in 2017, a total of 278,000 animals have been vaccinated, including 10,957 this year alone. He also shared that out of 490 samples taken this year, 45 tested positive for rabies. Of these, about 2% were cats, while the rest were dogs. Dr. Adrian also noted that nearly half of the positive cases were from owned dogs, most of which had not been vaccinated. "About 50% are positive. We want to appeal to the public to come forward and get their dogs vaccinated, because this is free," he urged. Also present were MBKS Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng; Ministry of Public Health, Housing and Local Government (MPHLG) permanent secretary Datu Elizabeth Loh; Ministry of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development (MFICORD) deputy permanent secretary Sayed Ismail Nasiruddin Wan Hashim; Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts (MTCP) deputy permanent secretary Desmond Douglas Jerukan; and Sarawak Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA) president Datin Dona Drury Wee.

KUCHING, Sept 20 — The Sarawak government may explore extending pet licensing requirements to cats as part of wider community engagement efforts to curb rabies, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian. Dr Sim said while dogs are already subject to mandatory vaccination and licensing, the growing number of rabies cases linked to cats raises the need for public consultation on whether similar measures should apply to felines. “Since 2017, the number of dog bites has remained constant, with half of them now coming from people’s own pets. “We are also seeing increased cases of cat scratches and bites. “So when we say ‘dog bites,’ we must also include cat scratches, because rabies can spread through saliva, whether from a bite or from scratches contaminated with saliva,” he said. Dr Sim was speaking after officiating the 2025 World Rabies Day event, jointly organised by Place Borneo and the Sarawak Department of Veterinary Services (DVSS), at the MBKS Community Hall today. Also present were DVSS director Dr Adrian Susin Ambud and Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng. “At present, dogs must be licensed but cats do not. We want community engagement to discuss if licensing cats could help us keep track of vaccinations and improve public health safety,” he said. Dr Sim stressed that rabies is not confined to strays, noting that household pets can also carry and transmit the virus. He reminded that vaccinating pets is mandatory for dogs under Section 40 of the 1999 Veterinary Public Health Ordinance, and owners who fail to comply can face compounds. “To protect your pets and the community, three things are most important: vaccinate, license, and neuter,” he said, adding that subsidised neutering programmes are available through local councils. Rabies remains a serious public health threat in Sarawak, with two deaths recorded this year alone, one in Kuching and another in Bintulu. Since the outbreak began in 2017, more than 278,840 animals have been vaccinated. For 2025, 10,957 animals have received vaccinations statewide. “Rabies cases remain high, with 34 in Kuching, nine in Bintulu, one in Kapit, and one in Samarahan. “Laboratory tests confirmed 45 positive cases from 490 samples, of which 42 involved dogs. “More worryingly, nearly half (46 per cent) of these cases came from owned dogs, while the rest were from strays,” Dr Sim added. — The Borneo Post

KUCHING, Sept 20 (Bernama) – A total of 278,840 animals in Sarawak have been vaccinated since the state launched its campaign against rabies, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr. Sim Kui Hian. He said that so far this year, 10,957 animals have been vaccinated across the state. "Despite these efforts, challenges remain. We continue to record a high number of cases, with 34 reported in Kuching, nine in Bintulu, one in Kapit, and one in Kota Samarahan," he told reporters at the World Rabies Day event here today. Dr. Sim said that laboratory tests conducted on 490 samples detected 45 positive cases, 42 of which involved dogs. "Alarmingly, nearly half of these cases—46%—came from owned dogs, while the rest were from strays, including cats. Sarawak also records an average of 380 bite cases weekly," he said. Dr. Sim, who is also Sarawak's Minister for Public Health, Housing, and Local Government, expressed concern over the rising number of rabies cases, stressing that not only dog bites but also cat bites and scratches contribute to infections. He explained that scratches must be taken seriously as rabies is transmitted through the saliva of infected animals, and even a minor scratch can pose a risk if the animal’s paws or claws are contaminated. "We need to educate the public that when we refer to a 'dog bite,' scratches must also be considered. Rabies can be transmitted through the saliva of an infected dog or cat when it scratches a person," he said. According to Dr. Sim, rabies continues to pose a serious public health threat in Sarawak, with 85 human cases reported since the outbreak was declared in 2017. Of the total, 78 were fatal. "This year alone, we have recorded two new fatal cases, underscoring the urgency of the situation," he said.

KUCHING: The Department  of Veterinary Services Sarawak (DVSS) continues to intensify its animal sterilization campaign to prevent the population of rabies-carrying animals, especially stray dogs, from increasing. Its director, Datu Dr. Adrian Susin Ambud, said this effort is part of a large-scale vaccination drive to curb rabies in the state. "One of our challenges in Sarawak is the very large area and the many stray or wandering dogs that are very difficult for us to catch and vaccinate," he said. "This population continues to multiply. We appeal to the public to sterilize their animals to control the population from continuing to breed, especially those that are roaming free. "The state government, through local authorities, has provided subsidies for this sterilization program, but the response has not been encouraging," he added. He was speaking to reporters after the opening ceremony of World Rabies Day 2025, which was officiated by Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr. Sim Kui Hian at the MBKS Community Hall here today. According to Dr. Adrian, sterilization helps reduce the population of stray or roaming animals, thereby curbing the spread of rabies among animals. "We want animal owners, especially if you love your pets, to first vaccinate your animals, then apply for a license, and sterilize them to protect your animals. "We will work to intensify this sterilization campaign," he said. Earlier in his speech, Dr. Adrian said that JPVS is highly committed to implementing various initiatives and strategies, including dog vaccination programs, surveillance, and laboratory sampling. He also mentioned that the enforcement of licensing for owned dogs and 'targeted removal' will be carried out by local authorities, while awareness campaigns will be conducted continuously by UKAS. However, he said these efforts will not be successful without cooperation from all levels of society, including animal owners, non-governmental organizations, and government agencies. Regarding the program, he said its objective is to commemorate World Rabies Day, which is held annually on September 28 worldwide. "The goal is to increase public awareness about rabies, its prevention, and how we can prevent it from spreading," he said. The theme for this year's World Rabies Day is 'Act Now, You, Me, Community,' which focuses on the shared responsibility to act against or eradicate rabies.

KUCHING (June 5): Sarawak is setting its sights on transforming its livestock sector into a fully integrated halal agro-industry with ambitions that extend well beyond achieving self-sufficiency, said Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom. The Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development said the state’s ongoing development of a complete livestock supply chain from upstream production to downstream processing is key to building a sustainable agro-economy. “This is part of our ability to create a complete supply chain. We’ve tried many schemes and our target is to produce 60,000 head of cattle by 2030, which will bring our self-sufficiency level (SSL) for beef and related meat products up to 25 per cent. “Sarawak’s current SSL stands at around 16 per cent, up from 13 per cent previously,” he told reporters during a working visit to the PPES Ternak Sdn Bhd Halal Abattoir Complex in Siburan, here today. He said the Halal Abattoir Complex has already started producing cornmeal and other downstream products, while efforts to diversify Sarawak’s livestock offerings are taking shape in regions such as Lawas, where mozzarella cheese production is expected to begin by the end of the year. Plans are also in motion to expand production of halal canned corned beef using Sarawak black pepper, targeting both domestic and export markets, he added. Dr Rundi further stressed the importance for agencies under his ministry to continue working together to ensure the agricultural sector becomes sustainable, by building market access into every production plan. “The reason we’re facing problems in agriculture is because we’ve never had a complete supply chain. People are willing to plant or raise livestock, but the market is often uncertain and that must change,” he said. The visit to the PPES Ternak Sdn Bhd Halal Abattoir Complex, a wholly owned subsidiary of Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC), reflects the government’s continued commitment to strengthening the state’s long-term food security. It also aimed to provide Dr Rundi with a firsthand understanding of PPES Ternak’s integrated supply chain operations – from feedlot farming to meat processing – and assess its strategic contributions to Sarawak’s overall food ecosystem. A statement issued by Dr Rundi’s ministry in conjunction with the visit said the programme featured a detailed tour of PPES Ternak’s core facilities, including the Siburan Halal Abattoir Complex, corned beef processing factory, and the feedlot centre. “All facilities are certified under Halal, MESTI, and HACCP standards, reflecting the company’s dedication to producing high-quality, hygienic, and traceable meat products for local and regional markets. “This engagement also underscored the importance of increasing Sarawak’s cattle SSL to reduce reliance on imported meat,” said the ministry, adding that it recognises the vital role of PPES Ternak in supporting the state’s Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 and helping position Sarawak as a regional food hub. “The visit reaffirms the state government’s commitment to working closely with industry stakeholders to ensure that every household in Sarawak has access to safe, affordable, and sustainably sourced protein which is a cornerstone of building a resilient and food-secure future for the state,” it added. Accompanying Dr Rundi during the visit were his deputy minister Datuk Martin Ben and SEDC chairman Tan Sri Datuk Amar Abdul Aziz Husain.

Sebuyau, May 7, 2025 – The Kampung-to-Kampung Rabies Vaccination Program in Sebuyau, held from May 5 to May 7, successfully vaccinated 297 pets in an ongoing effort to curb the spread of rabies. This initiative covered 30 villages and was supported by key agencies, including the Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak (DVS) from headquarters, Serian, and Samarahan, along with the Immune Belt Enforcement Team (IBET). A total of 199 animals received their first vaccine dose, while 98 received booster shots. Additionally, 159 pet owners from 24 villages participated in the program. Beyond vaccination, the program emphasized public awareness of rabies prevention and the importance of regular vaccination for both animal and human safety. DVS and IBET teams provided information on recognizing symptoms of rabies, precautionary measures, and the necessary steps to take in the event of an animal bite from a suspected rabid carrier. The public is encouraged to ensure their pets receive regular vaccinations and to contact veterinary authorities if they encounter any suspicious cases. With strong community support, this vaccination drive aims to minimize infection risks and create a safer environment for all. For further details on upcoming vaccination programs, individuals can reach out to DVS Sarawak. -DVS SARAWAK

The organisation earned recognition for its Pasir Puteh Pig Farming Area, a model of modern and sustainable agriculture in Sarawak. Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak won the Malaysia Sustainability Initiative of the Year - Agriculture category at the GovMedia Awards 2025—a testament to its exemplary initiatives in transforming its agricultural landscape with its Pasir Puteh Pig Farming Area (PFA). PFA, located in Simunjan, Sarawak, spans 804 hectares and is located 104 kilometres from Kuching and just 4 kilometres off the main Serian-Sri Aman Road. The development of this facility aligns with the National Agriculture Policy's vision to modernise the livestock industry. Since it was established, it has implemented centralised systems for waste treatment and disease control, an effort to enhance efficiency and sustainability. It also prevents outbreaks and ensures animal health with its biosecurity measures, adopting practices that safeguard both consumer health and environmental quality. Since 2017, Pig Farming Area (PFA) Simunjan has exported over 675,000 porkers worth RM742.5m to Singapore. Export of porkers to Singapore is still ongoing and the balance is for sale at their (47) Borneo Pork Outlets throughout Sarawak. The Standing Pig Population (SPP) in the PFA is currently estimated at 135,000 heads.  PFA Simunjan is African Swine Fever Disease Free-Compartmentalization endorsed by World Organization of Animal Health (WAOH) and is exporting, on average, 2,500 live pigs weekly to Singapore. In 2024, about 120,000 live pigs were exported from the Pig Farming Area (PFA) Simunjan and generated RM197.6m in revenue. The PFA uses a closed-house system with controlled ventilation, temperature, brightness, and humidity, with its effluent being treated and recycled within the farm. It has a buffer zone that is maintained to separate the farm from residential areas. Furthermore, the facility complies with Good Animal Husbandry Practices (GAHP), which ensure food safety, animal welfare, and environmental sustainability. As it strives for more into the future, the Pasir Puteh PFA is eyeing to reach a full capacity of 250,000 SPP by 2030. This expansion would include the development of additional modern pig farms in Ensengei, Serian, and Selangau, Sibu, which would have combined capacities projected to total 500,000 SPP. These are expected to contribute RM1.5b in annual revenue, making Sarawak as a significant regional exporter of pork products. As Sarawak aims to become a net food exporter by 2030, these initiatives are part of its strategy toward its goal, given that the swine industry is identified as a pivotal sector in this transformation. As Sarawak is FMD free without vaccination, the Sarawak Government will continue to encourage and facilitate the participation of the private sector to boost the development of the swine industry to realise the aspiration of becoming a net exporter of food by 2030. GovMedia Awards gives recognition to the trends and best practices that transform the public sector in the Asia Pacific. The awards programme promotes excellence and provides a platform for exemplary government initiatives.

LUBOK ANTU: The palm oil industry in Sarawak is becoming more sustainable, expanding beyond crude oil production to include high-potential downstream activities. This approach not only adds value to the industry but also contributes to increased income from the crop. Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, stated that the palm oil industry was initially focused solely on oil sales. However, advancements in palm oil technology now enable the production of biofuel for aircraft and animal feed. He emphasized that this initiative aligns with Sarawak’s circular economy development policy, which promotes material reuse to minimize excessive waste that could negatively impact the environment. “Sarawak is now heavily focusing on the ‘waste-to-energy’ industry, where waste is converted into renewable materials that can be sold in various product forms. “Earlier, I observed that we have two key by-products from palm fruit waste—biofuel and animal feed, including fertilizer,” he said. He made these remarks during the opening ceremony of the Kernel Crushing Plant (KCP) today. According to him, eco-friendly products now command premium prices in global markets, making this effort a new source of revenue for Sarawak. He reiterated that Sarawak places great emphasis on producing environmentally friendly products through circular economy practices, which convert waste into valuable downstream goods. In a separate development, Abang Johari, during a press conference after the event, encouraged farmers and livestock breeders in Sarawak to explore new ideas to enhance the value of existing commodities. He noted that if these initiatives are successfully implemented, Sarawak’s vision of increasing household incomes and becoming a leading exporter of agricultural and livestock products by 2030 could be realized. “Many of our farmers own around two hectares of land, and if their crops are unaffected, they could utilize the space between palm oil trees for livestock farming. “Currently, we no longer rely solely on grazing fields to feed livestock. Instead, alternative feed sources such as Napier grass mixed with palm oil waste are being used. “This will boost farmers’ incomes as they will have two new revenue streams—palm oil and livestock,” he explained. -UKAS

“There has been enough awareness since 2019. It’s time for stricter enforcement, and to be fair, if you want to own pets, make sure you’re a responsible pet owner—it applies to everyone,” he said. He also stated that enforcement operations would not be pre-announced to encourage consistent compliance. “We will not disclose which areas we are targeting first, so people should be prepared and there will be no more excuses,” he said. During today’s event, over 80 pets received rabies vaccinations, and more than 50 dog licences were issued. On the issue of stray dogs, Wee highlighted the importance of microchipping to distinguish between owned animals and strays, a step seen as essential in controlling the stray population effectively. Meanwhile, Sarawak Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA) president Datin Dona Drury-Wee unveiled a new initiative made possible through a grant from Yayasan Khazanah. The initiative will focus on the neutering, vaccination, and treatment of 100 community dogs, which will be marked with ‘SSPCA’ tail tags for easy identification. “We’ll be working closely with the state Ministry of Public Health, Housing and Local Government, local councils and DVSS and hope to roll it out very soon,” she said. She added that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is currently being finalised and will soon be signed with Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, who is also state Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government.

KUCHING (April 5): The Ministry of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development is advocating for pig farmers to adopt the latest technology to reduce the risk of livestock-related diseases. Its Minister Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom said pig farms which are equipped with the latest technology could lower the risk of diseases, particularly African Swine Fever (ASF). He made these remarks following a visit to a pig farm located at Jalan Ensengei Baki in Serian where he witnessed the methods and technology used by the owner, Greenlife Agritech (Sarawak) Sdn Bhd. According to Dr Rundi, the modern pig farm uses a closed enclosure system that ensures a controlled environment, reduces the risk of disease and maximises livestock growth. “The farm also uses high-quality pig breeds from the US, and is equipped with quarantine and disinfection facilities to ensure a high level of biosecurity,” he said in a Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) report today. It is understood that Greenlife Agritech targets to produce 144,000 pigs through the implementation of the farming project, which is scheduled in three phases. Each phase is said to last two years, starting this year with the owner aiming to see a production of 48,000 pigs per annum. Among those present were Deputy Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Datuk Martin Ben and Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak director Datu Dr Adrian Susin Ambud.