MIRI (July 28): The Miri City Council (MCC), in collaboration with the Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak (DVSS) Miri and the Miri Division Health Office, will hold a mass rabies vaccination campaign in August.

Mayor Adam Yii said the vaccination campaigns will happen across three weekends at three different locations.

On Aug 9 and 10, it will be held at Tamu in Taman Tunku; Nam Leong Senadin (Aug 16 and 17); and Miri Public Park, Jalan Miri-Bintulu (Aug 23 and 24)—all from 9am-4pm.

The services provided are rabies vaccinations for dogs aged three months and above; dog licensing counter; and free microchipping for licensed and vaccinated dogs on site.

“Dog owners are advised to bring their identification card for registration and leash their dogs. If dogs are known to be wary of strangers or aggressive, it is encouraged to muzzle them,” he told reporters today after a full council meeting.

“After the vaccination, dog owners are to quarantine and isolate their dogs for 28 days to let them build immunity against rabies. They must ensure that their dogs are kept within their home compound only.”

In response to the emergence of new rabies cases, Yii issued a firm reminder to pet owners to ensure their dogs are licensed, vaccinated, and kept under control at all times.

He urged the public to avoid allowing pets to roam freely in public spaces, especially without a leash or supervision, and to prevent them from mingling with stray animals.

“The city council enforced a strict standard operating procedure regarding free-roaming dogs. Any unrestrained pet found on the streets will be removed and euthanised immediately.

“If that happens, owners will not be able to reclaim their pets—a consequence we hope to avoid through greater public awareness and compliance,” he warned.

Yii noted that one of the recent rabies cases involved a cat, and reminded cat owners to keep their felines within their house compound and in cages to ensure their safety against rabies.

He also shared some advice if someone is bitten by a dog or cat, namely to wash the wound with soap and rinse under clean running tap water for at least 15 minutes and immediately seek treatment at the nearest government hospital or clinic.