KOTA SAMARAHAN, Aug 22 — Three cats were among 26 animals confirmed positive for rabies in Sarawak so far this year, with the remaining 23 cases involving dogs.

Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said the figures, based on data from the Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak (DVSS), were verified as of Aug 20.

“As a medical doctor and your Minister for Public Health, I must remind everyone of the sobering reality. Since July 2017, Sarawak has recorded 94 human rabies cases with 87 deaths, data verified with JKNS on Aug 20, 2026. That is a fatality rate near 93 per cent. Once clinical symptoms appear, rabies is almost universally fatal. Yet, it is 100 per cent preventable.

“From the animal health side, for 2026, to date, a total of 23 dogs and three cats were confirmed as positive rabies cases, data from DVSS, verified on Aug 20, 2026,” he said in his speech read by Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng at the launch of the Stop Rabies 2026: Rabies Education Carnival at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas), here on Saturday.

Dr Sim, who is also minister for public health, housing and local government, reminded the public that every bite, nip or scratch from an animal must be treated as an immediate health emergency.

“Ensure your community knows two simple rules: vaccinate your pets annually, and practise responsible pet ownership. Regular vaccination creates an important protective buffer for the entire neighbourhood.

“Wash and run: immediately wash any animal bite or scratch under running water with soap for at least 15 minutes, then go straight to the nearest health clinic. Do not wait for symptoms to appear,” he said.

Dr Sim said achieving the target of eliminating human rabies in Sarawak required every citizen to play an active role.

“By taking ownership of rabies prevention across all sectors of society, we will fulfil our state target and contribute to the global mission of Zero Human Rabies Deaths by 2030,” he added.

The Stop Rabies 2026: Rabies Education Carnival was organised with the Malaysia One Health University Network (MyOHUN), with support from Boehringer Ingelheim Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia, and involved agencies including the Sarawak Health Department (JKNS), DVSS and the Sarawak Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA).

The event also saw the presentation of certificates and awards for the Rabies Hero Ambassador 2026 competition.

In the secondary school category, SMK Jalan Arang emerged as champion, followed by SMK Tinggi Kuching in second place and SMK Sri Aman in third.

In the primary school category, SJK(C) Chung Hua Sematan emerged as champion, followed by SJK(C) Chung Hua Bintulu 2 in second place and SJK(C) Sebiew Chinese Bintulu in third.

Also present at the event were Unimas Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Ahmad Hata Rasit, MyOHUN president Prof Dr Abdul Rahman Omar, Boehringer Ingelheim Malaysia, Singapore & Indonesia head of business segment companion animals Dr Evonne Lim, and SSPCA president Datin Sri Dona Drury Wee. — The Borneo Post