Dogs being transported by their owners to get vaccinated against rabies. File Photo
KUCHING: There is an urgent need for a joint federal-state emergency committee to help eradicate the rabies threat in Sarawak, says Batu Lintang assemblyman See Chee How.
See urged Deputy Chief Minister and State Disaster Management Committee chairman Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas to propose the establishment of such a committee during Deputy Minister of Health Dr Lee Boon Chye’s upcoming visit to Kuching next week.
“It has now been 18 months since the first rabies positive case affecting humans was reported on June 30, 2017 and the first rabies positive cases in animals was reported on July 4, 2017.
“The calamity has raged on for 18 months and claimed 16 precious lives and yet the state government appears not able to contain it and bring it to an end,” said See today.
To date, 17 people have been confirmed to have been infected with the rabies virus, resulting in 16 deaths. The 17th victim is currently in a comatose state.
See said the unrelenting rabies outbreak and its undue casualties was now a national concern, despite political differences.
“I am certain that everyone is willing to put aside their political differences to find the best solution to end this menace,” he added.
In order to mobilise the various ministries, departments and agencies, See said the proposed joint emergency committee may be co-chaired by a ministerial representative from the federal and state government.
“But I would suggest that the strategic planning and the management and operations should be left to the medical experts and officers from both the federal and state Health Departments, particularly the federal and state Department of Veterinary Services.”
“The politicians must admit that they have failed to tackle the issue of stray dogs and other animals. Let us engage the medical and veterinary professionals and technocrats to formulate the plan and coordinate the efforts of all agencies and non-governmental organisations to quickly put an end to this long drawn battle with the rabies virus in Sarawak.”