Good Intentions to Feed Dog Turn Tragic

CHANGLUN PERMANENT FARMERS’ MARKET, KEDAH, 28 SEPTEMBER 2026 —

A 31-year-old man in Kedah died on Sunday from rabies after being bitten by a stray dog in August, marking the first human case of the disease reported in the state since 1998.

The Kedah State Health Department (JKN) confirmed that the victim sought medical attention at a health facility after the bite but did not receive post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for rabies. According to the department, the man had a history of being bitten by a stray dog in August, which led to his fatal condition.

The death highlights the critical importance of immediate medical intervention following animal bites, as the virus is almost invariably fatal once symptoms appear.

Witnesses at the market described the circumstances of the incident, which occurred during light rain. Jamaliah Abdullah, 65, a vendor at the market, stated that a stray dog suddenly entered the premises, having been driven away by other traders before fleeing to a nearby area. She recalled that Nik Muhamad Adha, who was known for his love of animals, purchased bread to feed the hungry-looking dog.

Shortly after, the animal bit him on the hand, and he returned to his wife’s stall with blood-covered hands.

Jamaliah advised the victim to seek immediate medical treatment after observing the injury. Although the man initially felt unwell and intended to get care, he ultimately did not receive the necessary prophylactic treatment. "I did not expect he would eventually die. I am very sad because the deceased was a good person and truly loved animals," Jamaliah said when met on Monday.

Halim Saidin, 77, another vendor who has worked at the market for 40 years, expressed shock at the event, noting that he had never seen stray dogs roaming the area, even at night. "We did not know where that dog came from," he said.

Azize Yusoff, the manager of the Changlun Permanent Farmers’ Market, clarified that the bite occurred approximately 60 meters from the market area. He confirmed that Nik Muhamad Adha was not a vendor at the site but was employed elsewhere, visiting only to deliver goods to his wife, who runs a stall there. The victim was buried at the Kampung Changkat Setol Islamic Cemetery on Sunday evening.

The incident shows the persistent risk of zoonotic diseases in Malaysia, particularly in areas where stray animals may interact with the public. The JKN Kedah’s report serves as a stark reminder that rabies remains a serious public health concern, necessitating strict adherence to post-exposure protocols. The case is the first recorded human death from rabies in Kedah in nearly three decades, prompting renewed attention on animal control and public health education in the region.

Related: Kedah State Health Department (JKN) · Nik Muhamad Adha Nik Zulkifli