KUCHING: The State government is aiming to declare Sarawak rabies-free in three years time, said Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.
He added that at present, the state had to ensure that the outbreak could be contained.
“To do that, we need the cooperation of all people and that is why we want to carry out targeted removal of dogs at certain areas, because the samples keep appearing at various places in Kuching,” he stressed when met by reporters after officiating the 20th International Catholic Committee of Nurses and Medico-Social Assistants (CICIAMS) World Congress at Riverside Majestic Hotel here yesterday.
He pointed out that it was crucial to ensure the safety of the people living in Kuching city.
“If you see a lot of stray dogs roaming around at this particular juncture, it will cause a lot of problems and the general public would blame us for not taking action.
“That is why we chose to carry out the targeted removal of dogs.
“I can assure you that there a Standard Operating Procedure has been read out and will be adhered to very closely,” he said.
Uggah added that the non-governmental organisations such as Save Our Strays (SOS) and the Sarawak Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA) have always stood with the government in tackling the issue.
“They are with us, we have engaged with both the organisations since July 2017 because this programme needed the support from the department and the NGOs. Engaging the stakeholders are critical,” he stressed.
He also said that the NGOs also understood that the government must do something to ensure that the state will be rabies-free.
“On the first day, the two organisations joined hands with the team from Kuching South City Council (MBKS). They gave advice to the general public and also encouraged teamwork.
“Now, we need the support from the public. If their dogs show symptoms of rabies, do report to the department and the necessary actions will be taken,” he said.
