KUCHING: Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg announced that a ‘Rabies in Asia’ conference will be held for the first time ever here next year.
In his speech, read by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian during the opening ceremony of the ‘Rabies in Borneo (RIB) 2025: Uniting People, Animals and Communities’ conference today, Abang Johari stated that the state will also invite interested countries to host the important conference in their own nations in the future, fostering stronger regional collaboration and shared learning.
“‘Rabies in Asia’ will become a unifying platform to advance our mission of a rabies-free region, ensuring that knowledge, experience, and best practices are exchanged beyond borders.
“Together, we can transform our vision into reality, not just for Sarawak, but for Asia, and ultimately for the world,” he said.
Abang Johari added that the establishment of the School of Veterinary and Animal Science in Semenggok here, a collaboration between the state government and Universiti Putra Malaysia Sarawak (UPMS), will be the first veterinary school in East Malaysia and the Borneo region, with the goal being to boost animal production, strengthen public health measures, and build generation of professionals in veterinary and animal sciences.
“The first intake of students is scheduled to be enrolled by next year. In line with our commitment to local talent development, we aim for 50 per cent of enrolled students to be Sarawakians.
“This reflects our dedication to creating homegrown expertise and retaining our best minds within the state,” he added.
Through the initiative, Abang Johari added that the state aims to support national and global efforts in controlling zoonotic diseases, and to uphold Sarawak’s free status from the foot and mouth disease (FMD), a critical indicator of the state’s public health resilience.
“With this institution, we are not only investing in education, but in the future of food security, animal welfare, and public health for Sarawak and the wider region,” he added.
