Sarawak vaccinates 3,579 dogs, distributes 2,281 oral rabies vaccine baits in latest drive

Dr Sim (front, second left) engages with an exhibitor at the conference. – Photo by Roystein Emmor/The Borneo Post

First Published: Tuesday, 29 Sep 2026 8:06 PM MYT

KUCHING, Sept 29 — A total of 3,579 dogs have been vaccinated through Sarawak’s recent field rabies vaccination efforts this year, alongside the distribution of 2,281 oral rabies vaccine (ORV) baits, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

He said the ORV programme provided an important last-mile approach to reaching free-roaming dogs that were difficult to capture and vaccinate through conventional methods.

“The programme provides an important last-mile approach for reaching free-roaming dogs that are difficult to capture and vaccinate through conventional parenteral vaccination,” he said in a speech read by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian during the Rabies in Asia (RIA) 2026 conference in conjunction with Rabies in Borneo (RIB) 2026 at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here.

Abang Johari said Sarawak continued to strengthen its rabies prevention and control measures through vaccination, surveillance, enforcement, public awareness and collaboration with its partners.

The efforts involve the Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak, Immune Belt Enforcement Team (IBET), Sarawak Infectious Disease Centre (SIDC), Sarawak Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA), local authorities and other partners.

The programme is also supported by international organisations including Mission Rabies and Ceva Santé Animale.

“This demonstrates that tackling rabies requires more than government intervention alone.

“It requires technical expertise, field experience, community participation and the willingness of different organisations to work together towards a common goal.

“The same principle applies to our efforts across borders,” said Abang Johari. — The Borneo Post