KUCHING: The public is advised to be cautious when coming in close contact with stray cats or pet cats who are unvaccinated against the rabies virus.

Sarawak Deputy Premier and Chairman of Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC), Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said that stray cats or pet cats who are unvaccinated could transmit the rabies virus to humans.

According to him, the first rabies case in Sarawak this year involved a 13 year old student who had been feeding stray cats in February and had a history of being scratched.

“Now he is still in very critical condition at the Sarawak General Hospital. Apart from dogs, cats will also need to be vaccinated in our ongoing fight against rabies.

"Cats had been responsible for five per cent of the past cases, while dogs are at 65 per cent," he said when chairing a SDMC meeting here on Friday.

Meanwhile, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah said that Kuching, and Samarahan still had the highest rabies cases while Sibu had succeeded in bringing cases down.

He also said that the Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak (DVSS) still faced challenges in getting dog owners to vaccinate their pets.

"The response is not encouraging. Adding to the woes, the department is also facing disapproval from animal rights non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

"Some owners also face problems in getting their pets to be vaccinated, so the department is considering the usage of oral vaccine besides the option of neutering,"

The SDMC Chairman reminded those bitten or scratched by their pets to immediately wash the affected parts with running water and soap for at least 20 minutes before seeking immediate medical treatment at the nearest post-bite clinic.

"There are ample supplies of vaccines so please do come for the treatment. Currently, we have some 255 government post-bite clinics at hospitals and other health centres statewide.

"In addition, 18 private health facilities are also offering the treatment. We can avoid fatality and other complications this way," he explained.

Touching on the current Southwest Monsoon phase affecting the state, he called on the respective divisional and district disaster management committees to be ready with preparations.

He said that based on information from the Malaysian Meteorology Department, Sarawak is predicted to face dry and hot weather by the second week of June which could spark bush fires.

Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah pointed out the Natural Resources and Energy Board (NREB), Miri Municipal Council, and other relevant departments and agencies should specially be on the highest alert for the possible occurrence of bush fire in the Kuala Baram areas.

"Make full use of the lookout towers and please ensure all tube wells are operational. The NREB should also fly their drones when any smoke is detected in those areas.

"I would also like to caution landowners to ensure no open burning occurs in their properties. We will take action against them if this happens.

"In a nutshell, all efforts must be fast and effective in responding to any bush fire occurrences to minimise the impact and damages," he said.

On another matter, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah said the Sarawak Cabinet would decide on whether those reluctant to move to evacuation centres during floods would be entitled to the financial aid or ‘Wang Ihsan’ from the government.

He added that some 21,000 victims had been identified from the previous flooding disaster.

Sarawak Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Professor Dr. Sim Kui Hian, Minister for Food Industry, Commodities and Regional Development, Dato Sri Dr. Stephen Rundi Utom and Deputy Sarawak Secretary (Administration), Datu Buckland Bangik were among those in the meeting.

Also present were DVSS Director, Datu Dr. Adrian Susin and Director of Sarawak Health Department, Dr. Veronica Lugah. -UKASnews