SIBU: Sarawak recorded a total of 16,295 animal bite cases from January 1 to October 11 this year, averaging more than 400 cases per week.
Bukit Assek state assemblyman, Joseph Chieng Jin Ek. said that, according to the State Health Department, these include 10,021 cat bites or scratches and 6,078 dog bites.
He said that among them, 10,999 cases came from household pets, while 5,296 cases were caused by stray animals.
“Even more concerning, out of the five human rabies cases reported this year, four involved high-risk animal bites where the victims did not seek treatment. These numbers clearly show that rabies is among us, and ignoring it even once may lead to a lifelong regret.
“Once rabies symptoms appear, it is almost incurable. However, it is preventable. Vaccination against rabies is the most effective method to save lives,” he said.
He said this during the Mass Rabies Vaccination Campaign organised by the Sibu Division Chinese Community Leaders Association (SDCCLA) at SJKC Sacred Heart premises here on Saturday.
Chieng also pointed out that rabies is not a distant headline; it is a real and present danger happening around community.
On October 12, he said, Sarawak reported yet another rabies-related death, involving a 29-year-old local man who was bitten by a stray dog and did not seek medical treatment immediately.
The victim, he added, eventually developed rabies symptoms, including hydrophobia, loss of speech, excessive salivation and difficulty swallowing, and eventually passed away tragically.
“I urge everyone, if you are bitten by an animal, no matter how minor it seems, you much immediately seek medical treatment and complete the full vaccination schedule.
“Community-wide vigilance is key to keeping us safe. Do not take chances; do not delay. Timely treatment saves lives,” he said.
Chieng added that he will continue to raise related issues in the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly and support collaboration among health agencies, schools and associations to strengthen rabies control efforts, especially in stray animal management, public education and improving vaccination coverage.
“Let us protect our families, neighbours, and Sibu as a whole through our actions. Together, let us make Sibu a safer, healthier and more rabies-aware community,” he said.
