Lau (back, third left) and his team observe a dog receive an anti-rabies jab during the exercise.

SIBU (Oct 18): A total of 28 dogs belonging to 15 owners were vaccinated against rabies during an anti-rabies vaccination, dog licensing and microchipping programme held in Sungai Bidut here on Saturday.

The programme was jointly organised by the Sibu Rural District Council (SRDC) through its Environment and Public Health standing committee and Sibu Veterinary Services Department (DVS).

According to the organisers, 24 dogs were licensed while 11 others were implanted with microchips to improve identification and facilitate dog management.

SRDC Environment and Public Health Standing Committee chairman Councillor Kevin Lau, who visited the programme with his team, said such initiatives played an important role in raising public awareness of rabies prevention and responsible dog ownership.

He said the programme also made provided residents with convenient access to dog vaccination, licensing and microchipping services.

Lau urged dog owners to make full use of the services to ensure their pets were properly vaccinated and licensed, while contributing to a safer and healthier community.

He also encouraged residents to participate in similar initiatives, noting that dogs vaccinated this year were eligible for free licences valid for up to three years.

Meanwhile, a used cooking oil collection service held alongside the programme also received a positive response from residents.

Lau hoped the initiative would encourage more households to collect their used cooking oil and hand it over to the relevant authorities for recycling.

He reminded residents not to pour used cokking oil into drains or dispose of it indiscriminately as such practices could harm the environment.

He also expressed his appreciation to SRDC and DVS Sibu for their cooperation in bringing these services closer to the community.

Lau called on residents to continue supporting community health and environmental initiatives, stressing the importance of working together to create a healthier, safer and cleaner living environment.