PKR rep suggests joint federal-state effort in war on rabies

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See Chee How

KUCHING: The State Disaster Management Committee is urged to take the opportunity of Deputy Minister of Health Dr Lee Boon Chye’s visit to Kuching this week, to propose a joint federal-state emergency committee to coordinate and mobilise a national effort to control and eradicate rabies in Sarawak.

Batu Lintang assemblyman See Chee How said even though the state and federal administrations are under different coalition governments, the unrelenting rabies outbreak and its undue casualties is now a national concern.

“It is now 18 months after the first rabies positive case affecting humans was reported on June 30, 2017, and the first rabies positive case in animals 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. I am certain that everyone is willing to put aside their political differences to find the best solution to end this menace,” he said in a statement yesterday.

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.

However, he suggested that the strategic planning and the management and operation should be left to medical experts and officers from both the federal and state Health Departments, particularly the federal and state Department of Veterinary Services.

“Let the medical and veterinary professionals take charge of the matter. Let the other ministries, departments and agencies work with them to carry out and implement the plans and operations.”

He said the federal and state government should help provide funding for the joint emergency committee to meet targets of vaccine supplies for animals and humans, and ensure comprehensive vaccination coverage for all dogs and pets.

“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.”