Sarawak confirms 26 rabies cases this year, including three cats

Kota Samarahan, Aug 22 — Among 26 animals confirmed to have rabies this year in Sarawak, three were cats, with the remaining 23 cases involving dogs, according to Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian. The figures, according to the Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak (DVSS), were confirmed as of Aug 20. Dr Sim, speaking on Aug 20, 2026, highlighted that since July 2017, Sarawak has recorded 94 human rabies cases, resulting in 87 deaths, a fatality rate of near 93 per cent.

Emphasizing that rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms appear, Dr Sim stressed its 100 per cent preventability. At a Stop Rabies 2026: Rabies Education Carnival launch at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas), Dr Sim recommended that pet owners annually vaccinate their animals and practice responsible pet ownership. Immediate washing of any animal bite or scratch with soap for 15 minutes under running water, followed by a visit to the nearest health clinic for treatment, he advised.

Achieving the goal of eliminating human rabies in Sarawak, Dr Sim said, necessitated active participation from all citizens. The Stop Rabies 2026 event, organized with the Malaysia One Health University Network (MyOHUN) and supported by Boehringer Ingelheim Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia, saw the presentation of certificates and awards for the Rabies Hero Ambassador 2026 competition.

The secondary school champion was SMK Jalan Arang, followed by SMK Tinggi Kuching and SMK Sri Aman. In the primary school category, SJK(C) Chung Hua Sematan claimed the top spot, with SJK(C) Chung Hua Bintulu 2 and SJK(C) Sebiew Chinese Bintulu in second and third place, respectively.