1.3% dog population in Sarawak vaccinated against rabies

PUTRAJAYA: About 1.3 per cent of the dog population in Sarawak, estimated about 300,000, have been given antirabies vaccination, said Deputy Health Minister Dr Lee Boon Chye .

He said the Health Ministry was working closely with the Sarawak Veterinary Service Department in implementing the free anti-rabies vaccinations to prevent the spread of the disease.

“We know that in Sarawak, most of the divisions are at risk and have been declared rabies-infected areas, except Limbang.

“With the mortality rate and spread of the disease becoming more worrying, vaccinating the animals against the disease is needed,’ he told a media conference after launching the ministry’s innovation “1Stance Wheel” here yesterday.

Also present were the ministry’s secretary-general, Datuk Seri Dr Chen Chaw Min and Medical Apparatus Supplies Sdn Bhd managing director Md Azar Ismail. The company is responsible for commercialising the product.

Since the outbreak of rabies in Sarawak on July 1 last year, 16 people have been infected by the disease, with 15 deaths recorded, and the latest case was last Dec 10.

On the Stance Wheel, Dr Lee said it was useful for patients using wheel chair to move around.

“It is easy to handle, ergonomic and affordable,” he added.

Meanwhile, Md Azar said his company hoped to produce 2,000 units of Stance Wheel next year and would be sold for between RM3,000 and RM4,000 per unit.