Sarawak committed in rabies fight, aims to increase public awareness
KUCHING: The Sarawak government, through the Ministry of Local Government and Housing, remains committed in its fight to combat the rabies outbreak in the state.
The ministry's permanent secretary Bakrie Zaini said the state has taken numerous measures in fighting the disease and will intensify efforts to increase public awareness.
“So far, we are satisfied with the many efforts taken through the mass media, including social media and print media, in spreading information about rabies.
“The awareness on rabies has increased and we continue to intensify such efforts,” he told reporters following the launching of the Rabies Awareness Signage during a ceremony at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Complex yesterday by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.
According to Bakrie, the rabies awareness signage will act as a permanent reminder to the public on the danger of the disease.
“These signage boards are an important communication tool for awareness as they help to indicate various warnings and act as the first line of defence against rabies.”
He said that close cooperation between the Department of Veterinary Services, Health Ministry and local authorities have greatly assisted in fighting the disease.
He said the local authorities have deployed 160 officers statewide to monitor the stray dog situation on our streets, while also trying to bring down the number of strays.
Meanwhile, the ministry, in a statement to the press, said that the hazard symbol and red header of the signage is to indicate the seriousness of the current rabies issue.
It said the signs will be placed across the state in places such as schools, longhouses, places of worships, parking lots, markets, bus terminals, public attractions, borders, and immigration and quarantine complexes (CIQs).
“This will draw the public's attention and raise awareness and urgency on precautionary measures in preventing Rabies,” it said.
The signage also includes other key information on licensing and vaccination of pet dogs, as well as ways to become a more responsible pet owner and civilian by leaving other animals alone.
The signage also informs members of the public that licensing and vaccination of pet dogs are mandatory and contravention of these local authority by-laws will result in a fine of up to RM5,000.