Ten rabies cases recorded in Sarawak this week, says Mayor Wee
KUCHING: Ten rabies cases were reported in Kuching, Serian, Saramahan, Bintulu and Bau districts this week, according to Kuching South mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng.
Stating this in his weekly Facebook Live session ‘Shall WEE Talk’ yesterday, he described the number as being ‘relatively shocking’, considering that there were only two cases reported last week.
“I was shocked to see a total of 10 reports of rabies-positive cases this week – three of which occurred in Padawan, three in Serian and one each in Samarahan, Bintulu and Bau,” he said during the show.
Wee added that eight out of these 10 cases involved stray dogs, while the remaining ones involved free-roaming pets.
“I hope all of us would continue to be more vigilant and, if possible, get your pets vaccinated against rabies.
“This is not a joking matter, so please take this issue more seriously. Let’s stay alert to keep rabies cases as low as possible and stop its spread,” he added.
On another matter, the mayor advised the public to alert local councils such as Kuching South City Council (MBKS), whenever they came across large beehives at public or residential areas.
Wee said the council would channel a public request to the Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) to handle the removal of these beehives.
This issue was raised following a public complaint over the beehives found on a traffic light near Kuching International Airport (KIA) here on Friday.
Additionally, Wee said the MBKS would do a review on its grass-cutting contract this June.
In this regard, he appealed to the community to inform the council if they were unhappy with any grass-cutting service in their areas.
“We will have a review on our grass-cutting contract June this year. Let us know if you are happy with the service provided.
“If you find it unsatisfactory, we will do what is necessary,” he said.
Touching on illegal extensions on premises, Wee warned everyone that MBKS would take action to curb this practice.
“This is to ensure the safety of all.
“Do not blame us when we take action because you know well that any extension must obtain our (MBKS’) approval.
“For instance, some people do illegal pilling, which causes the land to sink,” he said.