KUALA LUMPUR – The Sarawak government is considering extending pet licensing requirements to include cats as part of a broader initiative to combat rabies, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.
While dogs have been subject to mandatory vaccinations and licensing for years, the increasing number of rabies cases linked to cats has prompted the need for public consultation on whether similar measures should be implemented for felines, Borneo Post reported.
“Since 2017, the number of dog bites has remained steady, with half of these incidents now involving people’s own pets,” Dr Sim noted. “We are also seeing a rise in cases of cat scratches and bites.”
He emphasised that when discussing “dog bites,” it is crucial to include cat scratches, as rabies can be transmitted through saliva—whether from a bite or from scratches contaminated with saliva.
Dr Sim made these comments after officiating the 2025 World Rabies Day event, co-organised by Place Borneo and the Sarawak Department of Veterinary Services (DVSS), at the MBKS Community Hall. Also present were DVSS director Dr Adrian Susin Ambud and Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng.
“At present, dogs must be licensed, but cats are not. We want to engage the community to explore if licensing cats would help us better track vaccinations and enhance public health safety,” Dr Sim said.
The Deputy Premier highlighted that rabies is not limited to stray animals, pointing out that household pets can also carry and transmit the virus. He reminded the public that, under Section 40 of the 1999 Veterinary Public Health Ordinance, it is mandatory for dogs to be vaccinated, with owners who fail to comply facing penalties.
“To protect your pets and the community, three things are most important: vaccinate, license, and neuter,” Dr Sim said, adding that local councils offer subsidised neutering programmes.
Rabies continues to pose a significant public health risk in Sarawak, with two fatalities recorded this year—one in Kuching and another in Bintulu.
Since the outbreak began in 2017, over 278,840 animals have been vaccinated, with 10,957 animals receiving vaccinations statewide in 2025.
“Rabies cases remain high, with 34 reported in Kuching, nine in Bintulu, one in Kapit, and one in Samarahan,” Dr Sim revealed. “Laboratory tests have confirmed 45 positive cases from 490 samples, of which 42 were dogs.”
Alarmingly, nearly half (46%) of these rabies cases involved owned dogs, with the remainder linked to strays. — September 20, 2025
Sarawak, Rabies, Pet Licensing, Cats, Public Health, Vaccination, Community Engagement, Veterinary Services, World Rabies Day, Dr Sim Kui Hian