KUCHING: A free rabies vaccination campaign is being carried out across Kuching from Apr 1 to May 1 as part of the state government’s ongoing efforts to curb the spread of rabies and safeguard public health.
The community-wide initiative targets both owned and free-roaming dogs, combining centralised vaccination drives with on-ground outreach efforts to ensure wider coverage.
According to the campaign details, pet owners are encouraged to bring their dogs to designated weekend vaccination locations, where trained teams will administer vaccines via injection.
Among the scheduled dates are Apr 11 to 12 and Apr 18 to 19, from 9am to 4pm, with venues including Batu Kawa Riverbank Park, SJK Chung Hua Syn-San-Tu, Balai Raya RPR Batu Kawa and Balai Raya Desa Wira.
On weekdays, trained teams will conduct oral rabies vaccination activities in selected areas, including the vicinity of Batu Kawa and Desa Wira.
These sessions are scheduled for Apr 13–15 and Apr 20–22, with time slots from 7am to 10am and 4pm to 6pm.
The oral vaccines are distributed in the form of bait, typically resembling small yellow biscuits, and are intended for dogs in the community.
The Sarawak Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA), one of the collaborating partners in the campaign, stressed the importance of public cooperation in ensuring the programme’s success.
“Community participation is key in breaking the chain of rabies transmission. Vaccinating dogs, whether owned or stray, protects not just the animals but also the people around them,” it said.
The public has been advised not to touch any vaccine bait found on the ground.
In cases of accidental exposure including contact with skin, eyes or mouth, individuals should immediately wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and water.
As an added precaution, those who are bitten or licked by a dog within 48 hours of vaccination are urged to seek advice via the campaign helpline.
The helpline numbers provided are 082-628 255 and 016-2824853 (WhatsApp), managed by the Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak.
Members of the public can scan the QR code provided in the campaign visual or visit www.rabiesfreestreets.com for full details on dates, locations and timings.
