KUCHING: Sarawak’s ongoing efforts to combat the threat of rabies will be further reinforced through the organisation of the Rabies in Asia (RIA) – Rabies in Borneo (RIB) 2026 Conference, scheduled to take place from 29 September to 1 October at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK).

The conference, which is being expanded to the Asian level for the first time, will serve as an important platform bringing together experts, researchers, policymakers, NGOs and community leaders to discuss current challenges, share experiences and formulate practical solutions in efforts to eradicate the disease.

Minister for Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom stressed that rabies is a preventable disease if the public acts quickly to seek treatment after being bitten by animals.

“Rabies is actually preventable. Regardless of how severe the bite may be, if victims seek treatment immediately and comply with standard operating procedures (SOPs), lives can still be saved,” he said during a press conference at the media room of the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) Complex on Thursday.

He stressed that the failure to seek immediate medical treatment remains the primary cause of fatalities despite the high number of dog bite cases reported.

Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi revealed that four rabies-related deaths have been recorded in Sarawak this year, bringing the total number of fatalities since 1987 to 94 cases.

Nevertheless, he stressed that such deaths could largely be prevented if victims take swift action in seeking treatment.

At the same time, he said Sarawak remains committed to achieving its zero-rabies target by 2030, although significant challenges remain including the unrestricted movement of animals across borders, particularly in areas near Kalimantan.

In this regard, he stressed that efforts to eliminate rabies cannot rest solely on the government, but instead require comprehensive cooperation involving multiple agencies, pet owners and the wider community.

“The government alone is not enough. We need a comprehensive cross-agency and cross-ministerial approach, including active participation from the community,” he explained.

Throughout the three-day conference, various programmes will be held including strategic planning sessions, keynote presentations, forums and research paper presentations involving local and international experts.

Among the key topics to be discussed are the latest developments in global efforts towards eliminating rabies by 2030, as well as the sharing of experiences by other countries in controlling the spread of the disease.

In addition, Sarawak will also place emphasis on vaccination programmes, including the use of Oral Rabies Vaccines (ORV) for stray dogs that are difficult to handle.

The initiative is seen as crucial in increasing immunisation coverage, particularly in rural and high-risk areas.

The RIA 2026 Conference is expected to strengthen regional cooperation and enhance coordination among countries in achieving the shared goal of eradicating rabies. -UKASnews

Prepared by: Eisner Nala
Photo: Rais Sanusi
Translator: Uilson Ng