SRDC, Veterinary Department join forces in anti-rabies drive

SIBU : A total of 28 dogs received anti-rabies vaccinations during a community outreach programme jointly organised by the Sibu Rural District Council (SRDC) and the Sibu Veterinary Services Department (DVS Sibu) at Sungai Bidut, West Bank here on Saturday.

The initiative, coordinated through SRDC’s Environment and Public Health Standing Committee, combined rabies prevention with dog licensing, microchipping and environmental awareness efforts to promote responsible pet ownership and safeguard public health.

A total of 15 dog owners brought their pets to the programme, with 24 dogs completing the licensing process and 11 receiving microchips to facilitate identification and improve dog management.

SRDC’s Environment and Public Health Standing Committee chairman, Councillor Kevin Lau Kor Jie, accompanied by his team, visited the site to observe the activities and gain a closer understanding of the services delivered to residents.

Lau, who is also Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) Bawang Assan Branch chairman, said community-based programmes of this nature played an important role in raising awareness of rabies prevention while making essential veterinary services more accessible to dog owners.

He encouraged residents to take advantage of similar initiatives, pointing out that dogs vaccinated this year were eligible for free licences valid for up to three years.

Lau (centre) visits the used cooking oil collection service.

He said proper vaccination and licensing were important steps towards responsible dog ownership and a safer community, urging owners to ensure their pets complied with the relevant requirements.

The programme also incorporated a used cooking oil collection service, which received an encouraging response from residents.

Lau welcomed the participation, expressing hope that more households would adopt responsible disposal practices by collecting used cooking oil for recycling rather than pouring it into drains or discarding it indiscriminately.

“Improper disposal of used cooking oil can contribute to drainage blockages and environmental pollution, making public participation in recycling initiatives an important part of community environmental protection efforts.

“I would like to thank SRDC and DVS Sibu for their cooperation in bringing vaccination, licensing and other community services directly to residents,” he said.

Lau, who is also SUPP Youth chief, also called on the public to continue supporting similar health and environmental initiatives, stressing that collective action was essential to building a cleaner, healthier and safer living environment.

Lau (ninth left) with the SRDC and DVS Sibu’s personnel involved in the programme.