BINTULU: A free rabies vaccination drive will be held at Rumah Jungan longhouse here, this Saturday (Aug 16) as part of the nationwide campaign ‘Stop Rabies – Malaysia Towards Zero by 2030’.
The community programme, running from 9am to 11 am, aims to raise awareness and provide preventive measures against rabies, particularly among residents of Bintulu and nearby areas.
Organised by Boehringer Ingelheim Malaysia in collaboration with the Malaysia One Health University Network (MyOHUN), Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak (DVSS), Sarawak Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA), Universiti Putra Malaysia Sarawak (UPMS) and Rhone Ma Malaysia, the event will feature free vaccination for dogs as well as educational activities.
In its press statement, Boehringer Ingelheim Malaysia said rabies is 100 per cent preventable, yet continues to pose a threat in certain areas, especially in rural communities.
The campaign is in line with the global “Zero by 30” goal, which seeks to eliminate human deaths from dog-mediated rabies by 2030.
“Dog owners attending the event are required to bring their pets on a leash or in a secure carrier, along with vaccination records if available. Muzzles are encouraged for aggressive or large dogs,” it said.
Members of the public are reminded to keep their pets restrained at all times, supervise children, and follow safety instructions from event staff and veterinary teams.
“Those feeling unwell are advised to stay home and access the educational materials online,” it said.
