KUCHING: The Fourth Phase Anti-Rabies Operations covering Serian and Simunjan districts has been scheduled for June 20 to 25.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas announced this after chairing the State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) meeting on rabies here yesterday.
He said to-date the rabies outbreak, now declared as ‘Stage 2 Disaster’ in the state, had claimed its 17th victim.
He further said a suspected victim was still undergoing treatment at the Sarawak General Hospital.
“It is sad that human positive cases are still happening.
“We must and will take this very seriously especially in relation to our on-going and future anti-rabies operations,” Uggah, who is also the chairman of SDMC, said.
He noted with regret that despite the frequent advice in the newspapers, social media, leaflets and posters on how to treat oneself after being bitten by dogs, there were some people still ignorant of such treatment.
“The treatment is very easy. First wash the bite or scratch marks with soap and running water for 10 to 15 minutes.
“Then go immediately to the nearest hospital or clinic to seek further treatment,” he said.
Meanwhile, Uggah said his committee had conducted three phases of operation so far.
These covered the districts of Lundu, Bau, Padawan, Samarahan and Kuching.
“We have managed to remove 5,867 stray dogs and 38 cats.
“Generally, I believe we have achieved our objective despite some weaknesses, challenges and oppositions.
“I hope the coming operations will be carried out in more orderly and effective fashions,” he said.
For the record, the Serian leg of the operation will cover 257 kampung with 18,837 households.
There are an estimated 7,817 dogs belonging to 3,900 owners, and 552 strays.
So far this year, 25 dogs have been vaccinated.
Last year an accumulated 9,457 dogs had been vaccinated including those in the Tebedu district.
For the Simunjan district, the operation will cover 144 kampung and 12 oil palm plantations. The district is said to have an estimated 104 stray dogs while 257 other dogs have not been vaccinated.
Present at the meeting were Deputy State Secretary Datuk Ik Pahon, State Safety and Enforcement Unit director Datuk Dr Chai Khin Chung, the State Veterinary Services Department director Dr Adrian Susin Ambud and Superintendent Ang Siaw Aun who represented the State Police Commissioner.
