A dog being administered with the anti-rabies vaccine during a vaccination programme in this file photo.

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By Dayangku Hidayatul

KUCHING, April 3: Sarawak is advancing its rabies eradication efforts by introducing oral vaccine bait to reach stray and wild animals beyond conventional vaccination.

Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn said the initiative is being carried out through the Sarawak Infectious Disease Centre (SIDC) in collaboration with multiple agencies.

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“We are very ambitious to achieve a rabies-free Borneo. Animals move across borders freely, as they do not use passports and cannot be checked.

“This time, we are testing them with some tasty food. We encourage the public to participate by scanning the QR code and joining us as volunteers. Just simply give the food to the animals, particularly dogs and cats,” he said at a press conference for the Sarawak SHInE International Conference 2026 at the Sarawak Tropical Peat Research Institute (TROPI) yesterday (Apr 2).

Describing the bait as ‘tasty food, he added that it can also be used in forests to monitor and detect rabies among potential wildlife carriers.

Sagah said the initiative aims to overcome challenges faced by owners in bringing their pets for vaccination despite it being free.

He added that stronger collaboration with local councils and volunteers will help ensure wider outreach and better monitoring on the ground.

The move reflects Sarawak’s determination to eradicate rabies while safeguarding communities and animal welfare. — DayakDaily