In Sarawak, rabies has become a growing public health concern, alongside the dominant issue of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like cardiovascular diseases, which lead to the most deaths.
The most recent death, reported in January 2025, marked the 76th rabies-related fatality since the outbreak began in 2017.
The Rabies Outbreak in Sarawak
Rabies, contracted via bites or scratches from infected animals, most often dogs, has proven to be a serious challenge in Sarawak, particularly in the state’s rural areas where stray animals are prevalent.
To address the growing number of rabies-related fatalities, the Sarawak government has introduced various initiatives to control the disease.
The Right Honourable, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg, Premier of Sarawak emphasized the state’s commitment to fighting rabies, saying, “We are prioritizing the vaccination of dogs to ensure that we can break the cycle of rabies transmission and protect the people of Sarawak.”
Government’s Response to the Rabies Outbreak
To address the rabies outbreak and protect public health, the government of Sarawak has implemented a series of preventative measures.
- Dog Vaccination Campaigns
Vaccination efforts have been concentrated on domesticated and stray dogs, particularly in rural regions where the risk is most significant.
This strategy is designed to prevent the spread of rabies from animals to humans.
Among those enforcing anti-rabies vaccination programs for dogs are the Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak (DVSS), and Immune Belt Enforcement Team (IBET) from UKPS.
- Public Awareness and Education
To protect public health, the government has launched educational campaigns focused on the importance of vaccination, steering clear of stray animals, and getting urgent medical help after bites or scratches from animals.
In collaboration with Malaysia One Health University Network, Boehringer Ingelheim Malaysia expanded its STOP Rabies Campaigns to four additional districts, which are Kuching, Lundu, Bau, and Kota Semarahan.
Through the campaign, they educate over 3,000 students about rabies prevention and aim to promote a culture of awareness and responsibility in preventing rabies outbreaks.
- Rabies Prevention and Treatment
The government has set up treatment centres to ensure individuals exposed to rabies receive immediate post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).
This life-saving treatment can prevent rabies if given promptly after contact with an infected animal.
- Animal Culling
In areas with confirmed rabies cases, the government carries out controlled culling of infected animals to curb the outbreak and reduce the chances of further human transmission.
Ongoing Challenges and Efforts Towards Eradication
Although the government has made efforts, the fight against rabies is far from over.
The risk of rabies spread is exacerbated by the presence of stray dogs and insufficient awareness in some rural communities.
Other than that, among all the strategies implemented by the government, mass culling of dogs has not been yielding the desired results.
To ensure the success of these efforts, regular monitoring, expanded vaccination coverage and sustained public education are essential.
The government’s proactive response has played a key role, but the ultimate goal of rabies eradication will depend on the continued commitment of the community and health authorities.
References:
- dosm.gov.my
- sarawak.gov.my
- https://thesun.my/malaysia-news/another-new-rabies-death-recorded-in-sarawak-GA12560060
- https://www.bernama.com/en/news.php?id=2367620
- https://www.theborneopost.com/2024/01/09/rabies-in-sarawak-local-authorities-can-actually-do-more-says-dapsy-kuching-member/
- https://www.thevibes.com/articles/news/100622/why-continue-killing-stray-dogs-if-its-ineffective-asks-sarawak-dap-woman
- https://dvs.sarawak.gov.my/web/attachment/show/?docid=cXNaNHU3YjNjSmtlWFdGRnZHN2V5QT09OjrNb_EcJcgc3Q6qmmlFLIlV#:~:text=The%20Department%20of%20Veterinary%20Services,health%20care%20for%20your%20pets.
