KOTA SAMARAHAN: Free dog licensing for 2026 was offered to pet owners during the Anti-Rabies Vaccination, Licensing, Microchipping and Rabies Disease Awareness programme held at Taman Rekreasi Uni Central here today (March 7).
The initiative, which provides licences valid for up to three years, aims to encourage responsible pet ownership while supporting efforts to eradicate rabies in the community.
Kota Samarahan Municipal Council (MPKS) chairman, Abang Ismawi Abang Ali attended a walkabout session during the programme.
“We are urging pet owners, especially those with dogs that have not yet been licensed, to come forward and obtain the licence and vaccination.
“This is part of our effort to eliminate rabies in the community,” he said when met by reporters at the event.
The programme was organised under the Ministry of Public Health, Housing and Local Government (MPHLG) with participation from the Sarawak Veterinary Services Department and the Health Department.
The Veterinary Services Department provided free anti-rabies vaccinations for dogs, while the Health Department conducted awareness sessions on the necessary steps to take in the event of animal bites.
Abang Ismawi said the campaign targets areas within a 10-kilometre radius of a recent rabies-related death reported in Kampung Jernang.
He added that strict enforcement will be carried out against dog owners who fail to comply with licensing regulations.
“If inspections are conducted and owners fail to produce a valid licence for their dogs, they may be fined up to RM2,500 under the existing by-laws,” he said.
He also warned that dogs found roaming outside their owners’ premises may be captured by enforcement officers, particularly as Sarawak continues to record rabies cases.
The free licensing campaign is being offered this year as a promotional effort, although the licence issued will remain valid for three years.
The programme forms part of MPKS’ regular activities to strengthen rabies prevention and raise public awareness in the Kota Samarahan area.
