KANGAR, Sept 26 — The states in Peninsular Malaysia are currently free from cases of human rabies, but preventive measures through vaccination programmes continue to be conducted by the Department of Veterinary Services in high-risk areas, particularly in states bordering international frontiers.
Veterinary Services director-general Dr Akma Ngah Hamid said that vaccinations are being carried out in border areas between Malaysia and Thailand, like in Perlis, with control distances ranging from 50 to 80 kilometres to ensure that the rabies present in neighbouring countries does not spread to Malaysia.
"At present, there have been no reported cases of human rabies in Peninsular Malaysia, but dog vaccination programmes are conducted annually to ensure that border areas remain free from the threat of this disease.
“We are also implementing vaccinations for cats," she told the press after the launch of the Perlis-level World Rabies Day event today.
The event was launched by Menteri Besar Mohd Shukri Ramli.
Meanwhile, Dr Akma said there have been six reported fatalities involving humans due to rabies in Sarawak so far this year, resulting in 74 deaths from the disease since 2017.
— Bernama
