KUCHING: All dogs in the state must be vaccinated against rabies and receive annual booster shots.
This has been made mandatory with the signing of an anti-rabies vaccination order on Wednesday under Section 40(1) of the Veterinary Public Health Ordinance 1999 (VPHO 1999).
“Dog owners are responsible for ensuring their pets are vaccinated,” said Food Industry, Commodity, and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom.
Failure to comply with this requirement will result in an offence punishable by a fine of up to RM2,500.
“Besides, dogs exposed to rabies that lack proper vaccination documentation will be euthanised,” he said in a press statement on Tuesday (Jan 21).
Dr Rundi added that seven divisions, namely Kuching, Samarahan, Serian, Sri Aman, Kapit, Mukah and Bintulu have been declared rabies infected zones due to new positive cases in these areas.
“This declaration is necessary to ensure more effort is taken by the division concerned. In 2024, 123 animal rabies tested positive from the 889 samples collected in Sarawak.
“Kuching recorded the highest number of rabies cases with 79, followed by Bintulu with 16 cases. Samarahan reported 10 cases, Serian had six.
“This year, three rabies-positive cases involving cats and dogs, identified as free-roaming pets, were reported in Kuching and Samarahan Divisions between Jan 6 and 19,” he said.
The Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak (DVSS) together with the Immune Belt Enforcement Team (IBET) has intensified the anti-rabies vaccination programmes throughout Sarawak.
The public can get their free dog anti-rabies vaccination available at any government veterinary office during office hours, while private clinics also offer vaccination and healthcare services.
Dr Rundi also urged the public to exercise caution when interacting with stray animals and to seek immediate medical attention at the nearest clinic if bitten.
“Dog owners are responsible for ensuring their pets are vaccinated against rabies, microchipped, and neutered. They must also obtain a licence and microchip from their respective local councils.
“Failure to obtain a dog licence is an offence and carries a fine of up to RM5,000. Pet owners are encouraged to neuter their pets to help prevent unwanted litters.
“Owners who dump their pets may be fined up to RM2,000 under Section 73, VPHO 1999 while those who let their dogs roam freely on the streets shall be liable to a fine not exceeding RM2,500 under Section 37, VPHO 1999,” he said.
He also said that dog owners must keep their dogs under effective control by confining them within an enclosed area from which it is impossible for them to escape.
“Authorities are also authorised to seize and impound unlicensed or free-roaming dogs, with additional fines imposed under the Local Authorities (Dog Licensing and Control) By-laws 2018.
“Dogs involved in bite incidents will be euthanised for laboratory testing,” he said.
