Sibu: 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.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Dr Sim noted that tropical diseases like malaria and dengue are still common in Sarawak, with new strains continuing to emerge. He emphasized the appearance of Plasmodium knowlesi, a type of malaria originating from monkeys in Sarawak, as a sign that animal-to-human transmission is becoming more frequent. He stressed the importance of being prepared for future pandemics, highlighting Sarawak’s initiative to construct an Infectious Disease Centre in Samarahan with a budget of over RM200 million.
Dr Sim shared his visit to the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta last year, where he sought international cooperation for training Sarawak’s health professionals. He highlighted the need for public responsibility in combating rabies, particularly in urban areas where pet vaccination response has been poor despite free campaigns. He noted the World Health Organisation’s goal to eradicate rabies by 2030 and called for collective effort from pet owners.
Dr Sim pointed out that while 80 percent of dogs in border areas have been vaccinated, urban pet owners need to be more cooperative to mitigate ongoing risks. He warned that even scratches from infected cats can spread rabies and urged for increased public awareness beyond dog bites.
Dr Sim concluded by emphasizing that the conference is an inclusive platform for health professionals and the public to build resilience against future disease outbreaks. The two-day Asia-Pacific Conference, which began today, aims to facilitate knowledge sharing and network building among experts and policymakers.