KUCHING: The Kuching North City Commission (DBKU) is aiming to vaccinate around 100 dogs under its Anti-Rabies Vaccination, Licensing and Microchipping Programme at the Sungai Maong Market, here today (May 2).
DBKU council member Sih Hua Tong said the programme also provides free licensing and microchipping services for dog owners as part of efforts to improve compliance with existing regulations while encouraging responsible pet ownership.
“A three-year dog licence is offered, but it still must be renewed annually, and owners must ensure the anti-rabies vaccination is renewed on time to qualify for free renewal,” he told reporters after officiating at the programme today (May 2).
He said the programme is part of a broader collaboration between DBKU, and the Sarawak Veterinary Services Department (DVSS) to curb the spread of rabies through both vaccination and public awareness efforts.
The initiative is based on the One Health approach, which integrates animal and human health aspects, thereby strengthening overall community safety and resilience.
“The aim is to curb zoonotic disease transmission between animals and humans, ensuring a safer and healthier community,” he added.
Meanwhile, DVSS Veterinary Officer Dr Ainul Riza Abu Seman said the microchip implanted in each dog serves as a permanent form of identification.
She said that the chip, inserted via subcutaneous injection, carries a unique 15-digit number that cannot be duplicated and remains in the animal for life.
“Unlike conventional tags, the microchip cannot be easily removed (placed under the skin) and remains in the animal for life, allowing for more reliable tracking of ownership,” she said.
In addition to such initiatives, Sarawak has also begun implementing the Oral Rabies Vaccination (ORV) programme last month to target stray or hard-to-capture dogs, alongside ongoing mass vaccination efforts.
For the record, under the Local Authorities (Dog Licensing and Control) By-Laws 2018, dog ownership must be licensed, with a maximum of three dogs per household. Failure to comply may result in fines of up to RM5,000.
