Jee (third left) presents a mock cheque of the funds raised to Dona (second right) as Wee (centre), Ong (second left) and others look on during the Pet Walk 2.0 programme.
KUCHING (April 26): Pet Walk 2.0 kicked off on a high note, drawing 1,052 participants this year — a significant increase from 802 in 2025 — while the number of pets rose from 150 to 175, underscoring growing public awareness and community engagement.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian emphasised that initiatives such as Pet Walk are no longer merely recreational, but have become vital platforms in addressing ongoing public health concerns.
“The Sarawak government has adopted a comprehensive and coordinated approach to tackling rabies, including mass vaccination campaigns, enforcement, public education and inter-agency collaboration,” he said in his speech, adding that success also depends on the cooperation and commitment of the community, particularly pet owners.
His speech was read by Kuching South Mayor Wee Hong Seng during the opening ceremony at the Kuching South City Council (MBKS) foyer on Sunday.
Dr Sim stressed that responsible pet ownership — including regular vaccination, proper care and monitoring — is essential in safeguarding public health, noting that such efforts align with the state’s Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030), which emphasises well-being, sustainability and inclusivity.
“Through initiatives like this, we can strengthen community bonds, promote healthier lifestyles, and foster a culture of responsibility — not only towards one another, but also towards the animals that share our lives,” he added.
Wee (centre) with participants during the Pet Walk 2.0 flag-off ceremony.
Meanwhile, organising chairman Ryan Jee said the event recorded a 30.68 per cent increase in participants and a 16.67 per cent rise in the number of pets compared to last year, reflecting a growing culture of compassion within the community.
“Pet Walk 2.0 is about raising awareness on rabies, promoting a caring attitude towards our pets, and bringing people together while encouraging a healthy and active lifestyle,” he said.
He also announced that the event successfully raised RM12,500 for the Sarawak Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA) to support its operational efforts, highlighting the generosity and shared purpose of participants.
Looking ahead, Jee revealed plans to scale up the programme for Pet Walk 3.0, tentatively scheduled for April 25, 2027, featuring educational components, various activities and broader community engagement.
“This transformation marks the beginning of something even more impactful for our community,” he added.
Also present were Dr Sim’s wife Datin Amar Enn Ong and SSPCA president Datin Sri Dona Durry Wee.
Photo showing participants with their pets at the Pet Walk 2.0 programme.