26-05-2025
SMC chairman raises alarm over surge in dog bite cases in Sibu
A recent photo of dogs roaming in a commercial area in Sibu. – Photo by Peter Boon
SIBU (May 26): Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) chairman Clarence Ting has voiced deep concern over the alarming number of dog bite incidents in the district, which reached approximately 300 cases last month.
Quoting data from the Ministry of Health (KKM), Ting revealed that the majority of the dog bites were inflicted by pet dogs owned by individuals, not strays.
'According to KKM's data, there were 216 cases of dog bites involving pets owned by individuals, whereas stray dogs were responsible for 74 cases in April.
'I am deeply concerned with the high number of dog bites incidents here. These are recorded cases when victims sought treatments in hospital or clinics.
'What about those that did not seek treatment? So, the number of incidents may be higher,' Ting told reporters after SMC's full council meeting today.
He further pointed out that the statistics translate to an average of 10 people bitten by dogs every day.
'On average, about 10 persons got bitten by dogs every single day. This is unacceptable. This is a very big concern,' he cautioned.
In this regard, Ting urged the public to continue working with the council to reduce the number of dog bites.
'You should confine your pet dogs to your house compound. If you need to let it out, ensure your canine is on a leash.'
Additionally, he explained that in Sarawak, the enforcement of responsible dog ownership is governed mainly by local authority by-laws under the Local Authorities Ordinance 1996 and supported by public health regulations.
'The Sibu Municipal Council (Licensing of Dogs) By-Laws contains clauses that: limit number of dogs per household (especially in urban areas), require dogs to be confined within the owner's compound and penalize owners of dogs causing nuisance or injury.' Clarence Ting dog bites lead rabies sibu municipal council
