SIBU – Residents of Ulu Teku have rallied behind the Sibu Towards Zero Rabies 2030 Programme, reflecting growing community commitment to tackling rabies through education, cooperation, and preventive action.
The event, held at Rumah Edward Langu on Saturday, was officiated by Penghulu Eddy Jemat Jilian of the Nangka state constituency and drew around 180 participants, including longhouse communities from surrounding areas.
Speaking to reporters, Eddy described rabies as a persistent concern, particularly in rural settings where contact with free-roaming animals is common.
“Programmes like this are highly welcomed because they help raise awareness among rural communities, especially those living in longhouses,” he said.
He stressed that early treatment after animal bites, responsible pet ownership, and vaccination are crucial to preventing further cases.
Eddy also urged residents to collaborate with relevant agencies by ensuring pets are vaccinated and by collectively managing the local dog population as part of preventive measures.
The programme was organised by the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), in partnership with the Sibu Divisional Health Office, Sibu Divisional Veterinary Services, Sibu Municipal Council (MPS), and the Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK) of Rumah Edward Langu. A total of 33 third-year UNIMAS students were actively involved in its implementation.
Highlights included a community forum titled “Shared Responsibility Towards Sibu Zero Rabies 2030”, interactive anti-rabies education sessions, health screenings, oral health promotion activities, and a recycling innovation exhibition.
The programme emphasised the importance of early medical treatment after animal bites and the vaccination of household pets.
Since July 2017, Sarawak has recorded 87 human rabies cases, resulting in 80 fatalities. The Sarawak Veterinary Services Department continues to report an average of 400 animal bite cases weekly, most involving cats and dogs, many of which are household pets.
Also present at the event were Dr Rosalia Saimon, Supervisor of the UNIMAS Student Health Promotion Programme; Dr Nina Farahana, representing the Sibu Divisional Veterinary Services; Dr Maisarah Khalisah Zaideel, representing Urbanice; Mardiana Mohd Salleh; and Tuai Rumah Edward Langu.
The initiative highlights the importance of community engagement in combating rabies, reinforcing Sibu’s determination to achieve the Zero Rabies 2030 target through collective responsibility and sustained preventive measures.
