MUKAH: The federal government is urged to take proactive measures to curb the spread of rabies in the state.
Balingian assemblyman Abdul Yakub Arbi said there were concerns over the disease which had spread to rural areas in Hulu Baram.
He said steps should be taken to prevent further spread of the the disease.
“The disease has (recently) been detected in Balingian. We want immediate and effective actions by the federal government in addressing the health issue which is one of its responsibilities to the people,” he said.
He said lackadaisical attitude would only make the situation worse and cause unrest in the affected areas.
“We also urge the residents, especially those staying in Balingian to take precautions and protect their families,” he said.
Balingian was declared as the latest rabies-infected area on Thursday.
Other affected areas are Tanjung Manis, Kanowit, Betong, Sebauh and Long Miri.
Rabies was first detected in the state on June 30 last year, with 13 cases reported among the public, of which of them had died from the disease.