Health authorities in Sarawak have confirmed a tragic fourth fatality due to rabies this year, involving a 62-year-old man in the Bintulu district. The victim reportedly passed away after failing to seek immediate medical attention or a vaccination booster following a puppy bite in February. This incident has prompted the State Health Department to issue an urgent reminder to the public about the "silent window" of the virus, where symptoms can take weeks or months to manifest.

In response to the death, the Sarawak Veterinary Services Department has intensified its mass vaccination programs for pets in the northern region of the state. Authorities are urging all pet owners to ensure their dogs and cats are vaccinated annually, as the rabies virus remains endemic across several divisions in Sarawak. Mobile units have been deployed to rural areas to reach communities that may have limited access to veterinary clinics or government health centers.

The state government is also working on stricter stray management policies and public awareness campaigns to prevent future casualties. Experts warn that the mortality rate for rabies is nearly 100% once symptoms like hydrophobia or confusion appear, making early post exposure prophylaxis (PEP) treatment vital. Public health officials are now monitoring the local stray population in Bintulu to identify any further clusters of infected animals.