KUCHING: Sarawak is looking to learn from Mexico’s success in eradicating rabies as part of its ongoing push to make the state rabies-free.
Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom said he planned to visit Mexico next year to study the strategies adopted there and adapt them for use in Sarawak and Borneo.
“Mexico has been successful in their fight against rabies. I want to know how they did it, so that we too can strengthen our strategies here in Sarawak,” he said during the Rabies in Borneo conference opening ceremony here today.
Dr Rundi stressed that while rabies is preventable, it is fatal if left untreated, making public awareness vital in reducing deaths.
“We must put into people’s minds that rabies is a life-and-death matter. Once bitten by a rabid dog, without immediate treatment, the risk is death.
“Like during COVID-19, the fear of death drove compliance, we need the same mindset in fighting rabies,” he said.
He also highlighted the importance of cross-border cooperation, given Sarawak’s vast boundaries with Kalimantan and Sabah.
“The uncontrolled movement of dogs and other animals across the borders continues to pose a risk.
“This is not something Sarawak can handle alone. We must work with our Indonesian counterparts and also Sabah to contain rabies,” he stressed.
