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.