KUCHING: The Sarawak government is examining the need to introduce cat licenses to strengthen control over the rabies outbreak in the state.

Sarawak Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Prof Dr Sim Kui Hian said the move is important to regularly monitor the number of vaccinated animals.

“Currently, dogs need to have licenses but cats do not. With this situation, we are asking for community involvement to see if the community. together with experts. can decide whether cats also need licenses.

“Why do we need licenses? So that we know how many cats have been vaccinated or not,” he said when met by reporters after the Opening Ceremony of World Rabies Day 2025 on Saturday.

So far, a total of 278,000 animals have been vaccinated, including 10,957 this year alone.

However, out of 490 samples taken, 45 animals tested positive for rabies, involving 34 cats and nine dogs.

Meanwhile, Sarawak Veterinary Services Department (DVSS) Director Dr Adrian Susin Ambud called on the public to ensure their pets are vaccinated annually to build herd immunity.

“We would like to appeal to the public to come forward to have their dogs vaccinated. This is because it is still free. It is mandatory under Section 40, 1999, Public Veterinary Health,” he said.

He added that free vaccinations are still being carried out while the animal sterilisation programme is also being encouraged to control the population of stray dogs and cats.- UKASnews