KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 5 – The Dewan Rakyat was told on Wednesday that Malaysia has been free of rabies since 1999 according to records up to June this year. The Deputy Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Hilmi Yahaya said the last incidents involving humans and animals occurred in 1998 and 1999 respectively.
“Besides Singapore and Brunei, neighbouring countries in Southeast Asia do report cases of rabies from time to time. Meanwhile, the ministry had already ensured that the anti-rabies vaccine was readily available nationwide, particularly in the more vulnerable states Perlis, Kedah and Penang,” he said in reply to Dr Lee Boon Chye (PKR-Gopeng).
Fourteen government hospitals in the three states have stocked up on anti-rabies vaccine and rabies immunoglobin, with treatment for each patient to cost RM1,500, he added. He added that the ministry and state health department had taken the necessary control and prevention action in adherence to the guidelines such as patient management, more stringent monitoring of cases, and health awareness promotions.
