KUCHING (Jan 22): All pet dogs in Sarawak are now required to undergo anti-rabies vaccination and receive annual boosters, said Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom. He said the order is enforced under Section 40(1) of the Veterinary Public Health Ordinance 1999 (VPHO 1999). “Dog owners are responsible for ensuring their pets are vaccinated. Failure to comply with this requirement will result in an offence punishable by a fine of up to RM 2,500. “Additionally, dogs exposed to rabies that lack proper vaccination documentation will be euthanised,” he said in a statement following the signing of the order today. He added that seven divisions in Sarawak including Kuching, Samarahan, Serian, Sri Aman, Kapit, Mukah, and Bintulu have been declared rabies-infected zones as of today, following the detection of new rabies-positive animals there. “In 2024, 123 animal rabies tested positive from the 889 samples collected in Sarawak, which are 79 in Kuching, Samarahan (10), Serian (6), Sri Aman (4), Kapit (4), Mukah (4) and Bintulu (16). “Additionally, three rabies-positive cases involving cat and dog were reported in Kuching and Samarahan divisions between January 6 and 19 this year. “The positive animals were identified as free-roaming pets,” said Dr Rundi. He said the cumulative number of human rabies cases in Sarawak now stands at 83, with 76 fatalities recorded since July 2017, including eight deaths in 2024, according to the State Health Department. “I would like to remind the public to take extra precautions when dealing with stray animals and seek immediate medical attention at a nearby clinic if bitten by an animal. “Dog owners are responsible for ensuring their pets are vaccinated against rabies, microchipped and neutered. “Dog owners are also required to apply for a license and microchip from their respective local councils,” he said, adding that failure to obtain dog license is an offence and may be fined up to RM5,000 Section 3 of the Local Authorities (Dog Licensing and Control) By-laws, 2018. “Pet owners are encouraged to neuter their pets to help prevent unwanted litter. Owners who dumped their pet may be fined up to RM2,000 under Section 73 of the VPHO 1999. “Failure to obtain a dog licence may result in a fine of up to RM5,000 under Section 3 of the Local Authorities (Dog Licensing and Control) By-laws, 2018. “Owners who abandon their pets face fines of up to RM2,000 under Section 73 of the VPHO 1999, while allowing dogs to roam freely can result in fines of up to RM2,500 under Section 37 of the VPHO,” he added. Dr Rundi added dogs involved in bite incidents will be euthanised for laboratory testing, and local authorities are empowered to seize and impound dogs found off-leash. “Pet owners are encouraged to neuter their pets to prevent unwanted litter and keep dogs confined within secure enclosures to prevent escapes,” he added. To curb the spread of rabies, Dr Rundi said the Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak (DVSS), along with the Immune Belt Enforcement Team (IBET) from UKPS, has intensified anti-rabies vaccination programs across the state. “Public can get their free dog anti-rabies vaccination at any Government Veterinary Offices during office hours and mass vaccination which will be announced from time to time at their official DVS Sarawak Facebook account. “Private veterinary clinics are also providing vaccines and health care for your pets,” he said.

KUCHING, Dec 12: Pork available on the market is safe to eat despite an isolated case of African Swine Fever (ASF) detected in pigs in Mongkos, Tebedu District on Nov 29, 2024. Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom assured this but emphasised that the movement of live pigs is prohibited without a transfer permit from the Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak (DVSS).   “The DVSS has taken control measures on the affected pigs and farms to prevent the disease from spreading to nearby pig farms. Other districts in Sarawak remain free from ASF,” he said in a statement today. ASF virus only infects pigs and not humans. It does not affect other livestock because it is host-specific and not zoonotic.   Dr Rundi urged all pig farmers to improve farm biosecurity by ensuring their farms have facilities such as vehicle dips or foot dips and a solid perimeter fences.“Farmers should also control the movement of livestock, vehicles, and individuals in and out of the farm. “ASF is a pig disease that has no vaccine or cure and can cause significant losses. Therefore, farmers should pay attention and adhere to the stated control measures,” he reminded.   Pig farmers are also reminded not to feed kitchen waste or scraps to pigs without cooking it for 30 minutes to prevent the virus, and should avoid introducing new animals with unknown health status. The clinical signs of ASF include high mortality in pigs, high fever, difficulty breathing, redness or bruising on the skin, loss of appetite, depression, vomiting, diarrhea, swollen joints, skin ulcers, and runny nose. “If farmers observe any of these signs, immediately contact the nearest Veterinary Services Office,” he said. Regarding the viral video on the Internet, Dr Rundi clarified that it is an old video that had occurred abroad and not in Sarawak. This video has been recirculated. He also gave assurance of sufficient supply of pork for the Christmas celebration, which can be found at any pork product shop throughout Sarawak. — DayakDaily

MIRI (Dec 11): The Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak (DVSS) confiscated turkeys sold at several supermarkets here last week due to illegal importation. DVSS director Datu Dr Adrian Susin Ambud confirmed that the turkeys, seized on Dec 4, were estimated to be worth RM37,000. Datu Dr Adrian Susin Ambud “Yes, these turkeys were confiscated due to illegal importation without a veterinary permit. “DVSS takes action against illegal imports,” he told The Borneo Post when contacted today. Dr Adrian was responding to enquiries about the seizure following complaints of a shortage of turkeys in local supermarkets. It is understood that several hotels have opted not to include turkey in their Christmas menus this year due to their unavailability from suppliers. The tradition of eating turkey during Christmas is said to have originated in Britain from the time of King Henry VIII, who decided to swap out the traditional goose for a turkey on Christmas day. King Edward VII then took to the delicacy and popularised having turkeys for Christmas after which it rapidly became a tradition amongst British people.

Dr Rundi (fifth left) with other guests of honor during the PFA Selangau ground breaking ceremony, today. SIBU: The Pig Farming Area (PFA) in Selangau will be able to breed up to 12,000 pigs after it starts operating later. The Selangau PFA groundbreaking ceremony which took place today was completed by the Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom. According to Dr Rundi, the PFA in Sungai Selabi is the third largest in Sarawak and is capable of rearing up to 12,000 pigs. "This farming area will use new and modern technology. "We also emphasize biosecurity after what we experienced and learned from the African swine fever (ASF) outbreak, where all pigs, whether large or small, were eliminated, except in Simunjan. "So now we have actually learned from all that. We have to use new methods of doing things. "This includes new technology with biogas and so on, in addition to strict bio-security," he told reporters after the ceremony.  The member of the Kemena State Assembly called for this PFA to also involve local residents to supply food to farm animals such as cassava and so on. "And also if possible, for young people who are interested in entering this field, help them by providing training. "This will be a corporate social responsibility (CSR) for those around this area. "It is hoped that they can also share their experience and expertise with young local entrepreneurs who want to know about methods and threats in pig farming," he explained.  Touching further on PFA Dr Rundi said, for starters it involves pig farming, in addition to moving to other livestock such as cattle, goats and deer.   "And after that, apart from the crops we plan such as coconuts, bananas, pineapples, everything must go downstream, to downstream processing and so on. "From there we can add value to our farmers' income. "I understand that this large area is capable of generating at least RM1.5 billion in additional income for Sarawak per year, possibly by 2027 or at the latest by 2030," he explained.

Lee (center) observes a veterinary officer administering an anti-rabies injection to a pet dog held by its owner. MIRI: More than 160 pet dogs were vaccinated at the Anti-Rabies Vaccination, Dog Licensing, and Microchipping Program held last weekend at the Nam Leong Desa Senadin supermarket parking lot here. In this regard, Sarawak Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin expressed his gratitude for the cooperation of pet (dog) owners for their concern in ensuring their pets were vaccinated against rabies, thus making the two-day program a success. At the same time, he also thanked the Sarawak Department of Veterinary Services (DVSS) Miri Branch for offering free vaccination services. "Therefore, I hope pet owners take this opportunity to get their pets vaccinated as a preventive measure. "Although Miri is now a rabies-free zone, we must not be complacent. “We must remain vigilant to control the situation and prevent the re-emergence of the rabies outbreak,” he said during his visit to the vaccination program held last Sunday. According to Lee, another similar program will be held this weekend at Miri Public Park, Jalan Miri-Airport here. Therefore, he once again urged the public, especially pet owners who have not yet received the anti-rabies vaccine for their pet dogs, to do so by attending the program at the specified location and date.

Mohamad said the effort would boost the supply of local beef and ensure the country reduces its dependence on imported beef. — Photo from Facebook/Mohamad Sabu LAWAS (Aug 9): The Agriculture and Food Security Ministry (KPKM) supports the Sarawak government’s initiative to conduct buffalo meat and dairy production in Meragang, located in the northern region of the state. Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said such an effort would boost the supply of local beef and ensure that the country could reduce its dependence on imported beef. “Malaysia is still lagging far behind in the production of local beef, where we currently can only fulfil 15 per cent of demand. “The remaining 85 per cent comes from imported beef, which shows a pressing need to boost local beef production, especially buffalo and beef cattle,” he said at a ministry gathering with farmers, breeders, and fishermen here last night. Mohamad said that Lawas was now viewed as an area with high potential for investments in the agricultural and livestock sectors, and urged the local community to seize the opportunity through the Madani Community programme to boost economic activities at the community level in five focused sectors, agriculture and food, sewing and handicraft, herbs and health, tourism and hospitality, as well as green activities and recycling. “Currently, less than 10 per cent of the RM1 billion allocation has been spent. So hopefully everyone can play their role to ensure the allocation is used as best as possible to boost incomes and the country’s food security,” he said. Mohammad also presented Buffalo Entrepreneur programme grants worth RM1.7 million to 10 recipients, Lawas district special boat licences to 38 recipients and RM370,000 in caged fish rearing assistance, livestock input, and equipment to six recipients. KPKM shared in a statement said the minister had earlier paid a courtesy call on Brunei’s Main Resources and Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Setia Abdul Manaf Metussin at Bandar Seri Begawan in the morning and extended a personal invitation to attend the Malaysian Agriculture, Horticulture and AgroTourism Exhibition (Maha) 2024 at Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang from Sept 11-22. The Buffalo Breeding Station in Meragang is located 28km from Lawas town. — Photo from Facebook/Mohamad Sabu In the afternoon, Mohamad conducted a working visit to the Buffalo Breeding Station in Meragang, located 28km from Lawas town, in conjunction with the four-day Road To Maha Tour 2024@Sarawak convoy. The tour features various activities, including exploring areas with potential in producing modern agricultural technology and agrotourism, as well as holding dialogue and engagement sessions with farmers, livestock breeders, and fishermen. The tour programme aims to be a platform to build a network between various stakeholders involved in the agriculture value chain and act as the continuation of the Road To Maha 2024@Sabah held in July. “The tour aims to promote Maha 2024 as the biggest agriculture expo encompassing the latest technology, modern and smart agriculture as well as green solutions that will determine a new direction for Malaysia’s agricultural sector,” the ministry said. — Bernama

Source: The Borneo Post MIRI (July 30): The Miri City Council (MCC) is collaborating with the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) in holding an ‘Anti-Rabies Mass Vaccination, Dog Licensing and Microchipping’ programme, to be taking place this Aug 3 and 4 at the parking area of Taman Tunku Market here. According to the council, the programme sets out to encourage owners to vaccinate their pet dogs, as well as for them to obtain dog licences and microchips for the animals. “Do not forget to bring your identification cards for registration, and do keep your dogs on leash during the vaccination process. “If the dogs are known to be wary of strangers or aggressive, the owners should put muzzles on the dogs. “After vaccination, the owners are to quarantine and isolate their dogs for 28 days, to allow the dogs to build immunity against rabies. “It is also important that owners must keep their dogs within their home compounds at all times,” said MCC in a statement, stressing that all dogs in Sarawak must be vaccinated against rabies, in accordance with the Anti-Rabies Vaccination Order. “Any owner or person in charge of a dog who fails, without any reasonable cause, to comply with the Order, shall be guilty of an offence, punishable by a fine of not exceeding RM2,500 under Section 40(7) of the Veterinary Public Health Ordinance 1999. “Dogs without evidence of vaccination may be detained or removed, under the provision of this Section, by the DVS Sarawak,” it added. Anyone who allows a pet dog roam freely on the streets would be liable to a fine not exceeding RM2,500 under Section 37(5)(a) of the same Ordinance, said MCC. “Under this Ordinance, any dog owner must keep the dog under effective control either by confining it within an enclosed area from which it is impossible for the dog to escape, or tying it up securely, or leading it by a chain or lead of strong cord or leather properly secured to a collar, or harness being put on the dog. “The local authority may seize and impound any dog that is not on a leash in accordance with the Local Authorities (Dog Licensing and Control) By-Laws 2018,” said the council.

KUCHING: A 44-year-old woman was the latest rabies fatality in Sarawak, bringing the number of deaths to 16 out of the 18 human cases this year. State health director Dr Ooi Choo Huck said the woman died here on Tuesday after experiencing symptoms since Nov 28, and clinical samples confirmed that she had rabies. He said she had six pet cats that roamed freely and were never vaccinated against rabies. “One of her cats died two months ago. The woman, who had diabetes and high blood pressure, denied having a history of animal bites but based on clinical observation, she had old scratches and wounds and was constantly licked by her cats.   “However, she never sought treatment or rabies vaccination at a health facility,” he said in a statement yesterday. Dr Ooi said rabies cases in Sarawak had increased to 18 between Jan 1 and Dec 13, compared with 14 in the same period last year. Of this year’s cases, he said five were reported in Sibu, four each in Serian and Kuching, three in Bintulu, and two in Samarahan.   The cumulative number of cases now stands at 73 with 66 deaths since the outbreak was declared in July 2017. Given the rise in cases, Dr Ooi reminded the public to take preventive steps against rabies. These include seeking immediate treatment at a post-bite clinic for animal bites or scratches and getting a complete course of the anti-rabies vaccination. The anti-rabies vaccine is available at 130 post-bite clinics at public health facilities and 29 private medical centers in Sarawak. “Also, 11 hospitals provide rabies immunoglobulin (RIG) jabs for high-risk cases,” Dr Ooi added. Rabies is a vaccine-preventable disease caused by several lyssaviruses, including the rabies virus. The disease affects the central nervous system, and once clinical symptoms appear, rabies is nearly 100% fatal. Capable of infecting both domestic and wild animals, rabies spreads to people and animals through saliva, usually through bites, scratches, or direct contact with mucosa (through eyes, mouth, or open wounds). Globally, children between the ages of five and 14 are the most frequent victims.

KUCHING, Nov 19: Three positive rabies cases were detected in Kuching this week, involving a stray dog and two pet dogs, one of which is a puppay. Kuching South City Council (MBKS) mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng stated that one case resulted from a stray dog bite at Everbright Estate, Jalan Batu Kawa. “Another case involved a pet dog located at Taman BDC. The people noticed that the dog appeared to be showing symptoms of rabies, so they decided to have the dog undergo diagnostics. “There was also a puppy that had an owner but had not yet been vaccinated. After being born, the puppy passed away as soon as it began to move. The puppy was sent to be diagnosed, and rabies symptoms were discovered,” Wee said during his ShallWeeTalk livestream yesterday (Nov 18). The mayor said that the puppy was initially discovered in close proximity to a shopping mall. “So sometimes when you see puppies on the road, let the professionals be the one handling them. Don’t let your children touch or hold the puppies when they see them as well. This also applies to cats. We hope that we can avoid it (rabies). “And to pet owners, you should try your best to keep your pets at home and don’t let them come out, as they may also be affected by the situation.” Wee continued: “So I’m hoping that everyone can work together to reduce the number of rabies cases. We will, of course, continue to do our jobs. “We also hope that the relevant authorities will be more strict in dealing with this. Because there appear to be cases every week. And we hope that this will not continue to expand. If so, I think there is a need for a department to monitor the situation. “Of course, I think this requires a large number of people, like our SDMC (State Disaster Management Committee). When we are vaccinating, they can legislate, and the best departments can be put together to fight against the rabies pandemic.” Wee stated that he would consult with various ministers to see what their thoughts are on the matter. He further emphasized the importance of pet owners prioritizing the safety and well-being of their pets, as well as their family members, by ensuring that the pets receive annual anti-rabies vaccinations. — DayakDaily

Source: Borneo Post KUCHING (Aug 15): Kampung Narum in Marudi, Miri has been declared as a new rabies infected area after a stray dog was confirmed as rabies positive on Aug 2, said Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom. The Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Minister said since 2017, a total of 73 rabies infected areas had been declared in the state. “This year, the Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak (DVSS) has tested 392 samples and found 73 dogs and five cats to be positive for rabies. “Animal rabies were detected in Lundu (3), Bau (2), Kuching (31) , Padawan (18) , Kota Samarahan (5) , Siburan (1) , Serian (1), Tebekang (4), Sibu (1), Selangau (1), Mukah (1), Bintulu (2), Marudi (1) and Lawas (1),” he said in a statement today. In view of the increased number in rabies cases, Dr Rundi said DVSS has intensified the anti-rabies vaccination programme throughout the state where concentrations are mainly in Kuching, Sibu, Bintulu and Miri divisions. He also said that the department will further intensify the programme, including a mass vaccination exercise which will be held on Aug 19 and 20 at Tempat Letak Kereta Taman Awam Miri from 9am to 4pm. He said DVSS and the Immune Belt Enforcement Team (IBET) have set a target of 40,000 heads of dogs to be vaccinated across Sarawak in 2023 and to date, they have successfully vaccinated 27,668 dogs.   Sarawak had recorded 13 deaths from 15 rabies cases this year, according to the State Health Department. Since 2017, the cumulative total human rabies cases now stands at 70, with 63 deaths. Dr Rundi said Sarawak is currently experiencing a rise in rabies cases for both human and animals. “Owners who let their dogs roam freely on the streets shall also be liable to a fine not exceeding RM2,500 under Section 37 of the Veterinary Public Health Ordinance (VPHO), 1999. “Dog owners must keep their dogs under effective control by confining it within an enclosed area from which it is impossible for the dog to escape,” he said. He added that local authorities may seize and impound any dogs not on a leash in accordance with the Local Authorities (Dog Licensing and Control) by-laws, 2018.  

Source: The Borneo Post Sarawak Medical association concerned about S’wak public apathy to rabies KUCHING (May 26): The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) Sarawak laments that a lot of people are still taking rabies for granted although it is a very deadly disease. As a reminder, its chairman Dr Liew Shan Fap pointed out that Sarawak has recorded 66 cases of human rabies and 59 deaths since the outbreak in 2017. He cautioned that the death rate due to rabies among humans is very high in Sarawak, and the number of rabies cases has markedly increased this year despite the various measures taken by the authorities. He pointed out that from January 1 till May 15 this year, Sarawak has recorded 11 rabies cases and nine deaths, which is a worrying fact. “We must stress that rabies death is 100 percent preventable. In the Sarawak setting, the single most important aspect that still has room for improvement is public awareness. Many are still not aware how deathly rabies is and many are not familiar with a treatment plans for rabies post-exposure,” he said in his opening remark at ‘The dog bite kills rabies awareness public forum’ at MBKS Auditorium today. Dr. Liew also noted that some pet owners do not follow the local council’s recommendations or regulations, and there are many measures that could be taken to improve this. “A lot of people are still taking the disease for granted, taking it easy. This is not good for us because in order to eradicate rabies, everyone has roles to play. “The most important role is the public. Despite the government being able to do a lot, without the cooperation from the public, it is unlikely that it can eradicate rabies in Sarawak,” he said.

Source: The Borneo Post Sarawak Dr Sim: Eliminating rabies responsibility of all, not just govt KUCHING (May 26): The government can only be successful in eliminating rabies in Sarawak if everyone does their part, said Deputy Premier Dato Sri Dr. Sim Kui Hian. In fact, he stressed, everyone should be the champion against the deadly disease.   “Eradication of rabies is the responsibility of all, including pet animal lovers, not just the government. hope everyone plays their part, we in SDMC (Sarawak Disaster Management Committee) will continue to do our part so that by 2030, we will not just be able to eliminate rabies but so that the WHO (World Health Organisation) will not name Sarawak as a country in the whole world that had failed to eradicate rabies.   “Most important is we all play our role to save lives,” he said at the ‘Dog bite kills rabies awareness public forum’ at MBKS Auditorium today. The Minister for Public Health, Housing, and Local Government said the Veterinary Department, the Health Department, and the relevant agencies have all gone beyond expectations to keep rabies under control.   He said Sarawak almost managed to control the spread of rabies before the Covid-19 pandemic through measures, vaccination programs, stray dogs’ control, and public awareness. “We did so well before COVID. But now because the disease is coming back, the number has increased, and everybody panicked. “If people panic, do something. Don’t panic just to blame others. By blaming people, you cannot solve everything. Let’s do the action together, work together so that eight weeks from now, the number of dog bites and rabies will drop because we all are doing something together,” he said.   He stressed that all must shoulder the responsibility, especially by keeping their pet dogs within their own house compound or vicinity. “All of us must do our part to prevent the spread of rabies,” he reminded.