Sarawak Takes Proactive Steps To Tackle Zoonotic, Tropical Diseases

SIBU, July 10 (Bernama) -- The spread of zoonotic and neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) remains a major global health threat, and Sarawak is taking proactive steps to address the issue, said Deputy Premier and Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.

Speaking after launching the 2nd Asia-Pacific Conference on Zoonotic and Neglected Tropical Diseases 2025 here today, Dr Sim said diseases passed from animals to humans, such as HIV and COVID-19, have shown how dangerous zoonoses can be.

"This is an important programme, and I’m proud it started in Sibu. This is our second time hosting it, and it's held every two years. Zoonotic and tropical diseases are serious issues that demand continued attention and investment," he  told reporters.

Dr Sim noted that tropical diseases like malaria and dengue are still common in Sarawak, with new strains continuing to emerge.

“In Sarawak, we’ve seen Plasmodium knowlesi — a type of malaria that comes from monkeys. This shows that animal-to-human transmission will become more frequent. COVID-19 won’t be the last pandemic. We must be prepared,” he said.

He highlighted Sarawak’s forward-thinking move to build its own Infectious Disease Centre in Samarahan, with over RM200 million allocated for the project.

“Some say our people are poor, but that doesn’t mean we should wait for the next pandemic to take action. We’re investing not just in money, but in training, labs and infrastructure,” he said.

Dr Sim also shared his experience visiting the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta last year, where he sought international cooperation to help train Sarawak’s health professionals.

“I told them we need their support and expertise,” he said.

On rabies, Dr Sim stressed the need for greater public responsibility, especially when it comes to vaccinating pets in urban areas — where response has been poor despite free vaccination campaigns.

“Rabies can be eliminated. The World Health Organisation aims to eradicate it by 2030 — but it won’t happen on its own. Everyone must play a role. Pet owners must be responsible. It’s not just up to the government to go door to door,” he said.

He pointed out that while 80 per cent of dogs in border areas have been vaccinated, urban pet owners have been less cooperative, creating ongoing risks.

“Even scratches from infected cats can spread rabies. Public awareness needs to go beyond just dog bites,” he said, calling for collective action to stop the disease.

Dr Sim concluded by emphasising that the conference is not just for health professionals, but for all parties — including the public, to build resilience against future disease outbreaks.

“Whether you’re a scientist, doctor, nurse, policymaker or member of the public, we all have a role to play,” he said.

The two-day Asia-Pacific Conference, which began today, serves as a platform for experts and policymakers to share knowledge, build networks and foster regional cooperation in tackling infectious diseases.

-- BERNAMA