KUCHING: The Sarawak government is considering introducing cat licensing as part of its efforts to strengthen rabies control in the state.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said while existing laws only cover dog licensing, the increasing number of rabies cases linked to cats has prompted the government to look into possible legal changes.
“It is not because we want to charge a licensing fee. Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng has said it can be given free, but we just want to have data how many cats are around, where they are, and the patterns.
“This will help us better manage rabies transmission,” he told reporters after attending the opening of the Rabies in Borneo (RIB) 2025 conference at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) on Tuesday (Sept 30).
He explained that cats are becoming a growing concern in rabies control, as they often contract the virus from dogs and then pass it to humans through scratches.
“When rabies spreads from dogs to cats, it can reach humans. Cats usually scratch rather than bite, but the virus is present in their saliva, and that is how transmission happens,” he said.
Dr Sim highlighted that rabies remains a preventable disease and no one should die from it if proper precautions are taken.
“The basic thing to do if bitten or scratched is to immediately wash the wound with running water and soap for 10 minutes, then seek treatment at the nearest clinic or hospital.
“Don’t ignore it, because once rabies reaches the brain, there is no cure,” he stressed.
Dr Sim noted that nearly half of rabies deaths in Sarawak were caused by bites from owners’ own pets, not strays.
He cited two recent cases — a middle-aged woman in Batu Kawa who was bitten by her own dogs, and a young woman infected after being scratched by a cat.
“The message is clear: vaccinate your pets and keep them indoors. Pet owners must take responsibility, because prevention starts at home,” he said.
He also reminded the public that rabies prevention measures are simple but require discipline, much like the habits cultivated during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We need to be consistent, wash hands, take precautions, and most importantly, vaccinate your dogs and cats,” he said.
State Health Department (JKNS) records show that two out of four rabies-related deaths in Sarawak this year were caused by cat scratches.
This year alone, Sarawak has recorded 87 rabies cases, of which 10 were due to cat scratches. Of the 10 rabies cases caused by cat scratches, seven were from domestic cats while the remaining three were from stray cats.
