PASIR MAS, Oct 22 2026, Malaysia recorded seven rabies-related deaths as of Oct 12 this year, comprising six cases in Sarawak and one in Kedah, according to the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS).
DVS Veterinary Public Health Division senior director Dr Norhaliza Abdul Halim said the victims included a 44-year-old man in Kota Samarahan and a 10-year-old boy in Kuching, both in Sarawak, as well as a 31-year-old man from Kubang Pasu, Kedah.
She said some victims in Sarawak had been bitten by stray dogs, while others were bitten by pet dogs.
In the Kedah case, the victim was reportedly bitten by a stray dog in August while attempting to feed it. He tested positive for rabies on Sept 26 and died the following day.
Speaking to reporters after attending the 2026 Kelantan-level World Rabies Day programme, Dr Norhaliza called for stronger dog vaccination and neutering programmes, particularly in states bordering Thailand, including Kelantan.
She said neutering could help control dog breeding and reduce the stray dog population, while vaccination remained important in preventing rabies infections.
Malaysia recorded 97 rabies cases and 90 deaths between 2017 and Oct 12 this year, she added.
In Kelantan, authorities received 42 complaints involving dog bites, with 38 cases investigated as of Oct 19. Control measures included vaccinating 1,459 dogs and culling 1,536 stray dogs.
Dr Norhaliza also urged the public not to take matters into their own hands when dealing with stray dogs, stressing that any culling must be carried out by the authorities in accordance with the law.
-Bernama
