KUCHING: Local communities as well as pet owners have the responsibility to prevent the spread of rabies and to take care of pet animals at all times.
Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development (M-FICORD) Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom said rabies has affected the lives of humans in Sarawak and around the world.
“Rabies is a killer disease and it is a serious threat to human lives and animals as well, not only in Sarawak but also around the world.
“Through this awareness programme by Department of Veterinary Service (DVS) Sarawak, we hope this can increase the awareness level about rabies disease among the community,” he said.
He also said it was important that everyone in the community played an important role, to be responsible and take care of pet animals.
His text of speech was read by Batu Kitang assemblyman Lo Khere Chiang, who represented him during the DVSS Rabies Awareness and Department of Agriculture (DOA) AgriCOP: Rami Gawia Semeba 2023 at Kampung Semeba community hall here yesterday afternoon.
“Responsible dog owners should always monitor the movement of their dogs so that they do not roam freely in public places, and ensure that pet dogs obtain a license from the local authority and are vaccinated with an anti-rabies vaccine every year.
“If we are infected with rabies disease, immediately wash the bite wounds with flowing water and use soap for about 15 minutes. Immediately seek medical treatment at nearby clinics or hospitals,” Rundi reminded.
He added that it was important for the public to understand and know what to do to prevent the rabies infection from getting worse.
“Everyone in the community plays an important to protect each other and to stop the spread of rabies disease,” he said.
The programme also collaborated with DOA in promoting the AgriCOP programme to support the state government’s effort to strengthen the bond between the department and targeted groups across the state in the agriculture sector.
“AgriCOP was established to give exposure in regards to the latest agriculture technology through seminars, programmes, models and demonstrations,” he said.
Dr Rundi also disclosed that in Kuching Division, 32 AgriCOP programmes were organised, which is under the Project Year 2019-2023 for Batu Kitang state constituency.
In Batu Kitang, there are five food crop projects with an allocation of RM118,100 and the aquaculture project with an allocation of RM10,000.
“There are also the agro-based industry with two small industry projects with an allocation of RM257,500.
“Lastly, the Agriculture Facilitation Fund (AFF) with two projects, namely farm unit and closed rain protection structure received with an allocation of RM112,000,” he added.
He expressed hope that the collaboration of the programmes between DVS, DOA and the village committee of Kampung Semeba would benefit the people and will also continue to do so in other places.
