Dr Sim speaks to journalists. – Photo by Chimon Upon
KUCHING: Sarawakians are told to take responsibility for the safety of their families, friends and visitors during this critical time of rabies outbreak, especially with the approaching Chinese New Year (CNY) celebration.
Minister of Local Government and Housing Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian said the community must be constantly on the alert and not to take the fatal disease lightly.
He also called upon pet owners to get their dogs vaccinated since the government is providing free vaccination in its bid to contain the outbreak.
Dr Sim said the government has not yet declared Sarawak as rabies-free, so Sarawakians should not take for granted that the rabies outbreak had ceased.
“The public must never forget that once we declared, it means the rabies outbreak is on until we declare there is no more rabies,” he said when met by reporters after attending a function here today.
Dr Sim advised individuals who were bitten by dogs, especially in the rabies-infected areas, to get assessed and vaccinated at government hospitals.
“We don’t want people to act smart as in assessing themselves whether it (the dog bite) is just a scratch, risky or not risky or that this is my dog or my friend’s dog.
“Your dog may not run out (of the house compound) but how do you know that other dogs will not run in (your house compound) and bite your dog? This is rabies time, if they bite you, you get into trouble,” he added.