1. TOWARDS SMOKE-FREE PENANG Haslina Hashim Clearinghouse For Tobacco Control National Poison Centre Universiti Sains Malaysia 11800 Penang, Malaysia Third Malaysian Conference on Tobacco Control (MCTC 2009) 8 – 9 August 2009
31. INDOOR AIR QUALITY IN 32 COUNTRIES AROUND THE WORLD Global Air Monitoring Study TSI SidePak AM510 Personal Aerosol Monitor was used to measure PM2.5 On average, smoke-free laws result in an 8-fold reduction in the levels of indoor air pollution Levels of indoor air pollution in 2,531 locations in 32 countries.
34. US EPA Air Quality Index Air Quality Air Quality Index PM 2.5 ( g/m 3 ) Health Advisory Good 0-50 ≤ 15 None. Moderate 51-100 16-40 Unusually sensitive people should consider reducing prolonged or heavy exertion. Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups 101-150 41-65 People with heart or lung disease, older adults, and children should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion. Unhealthy 151-200 66-150 People with heart or lung disease, older adults, and children should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion. Everyone else should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion. Very Unhealthy 201-300 151-250 People with heart or lung disease, older adults, and children should avoid all physical activity outdoors. Everyone else should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion. Hazardous ≥ 301 ≥ 251 People with heart or lung disease, older adults, and children should remain indoors and keep activity levels low. Everyone else should avoid all physical activity outdoors.
Smoke Free Penang Project was initiated in March 2008 Formation of a committeeIt began with a series of discussions and meetings among the National Poison Centre’s (NPC) team comprising staffs headed by the Coordinator of the Clearinghouse for Tob Control (Prof Rahmat Awang) and Dr T. Jayabalan, an associate member of NPC and medical adviser to the MTUC (Penang Branch) Why did we chose the project? And not others? None of the 13 states and 2 federal territories in Malaysia is smoke-free. NPC has been involved with tobacco control issues since 2001 when the Clearinghouse for Tobacco Control (C-TOB) was established. In 2005, NPC established a collaboration with Roswell Park Cancer Institute, University of Waterloo, Victoria Cancer Institute and Ministry of Health Malaysia to conduct an International Tobacco Control Policy Evaluation Survey involving 19 countries worldwide. ITCw1 - 2005 W2 2006 W3 2008 W 4 2009
Smoke Free Penang Project was initiated in March 2008 Formation of a committeeIt began with a series of discussions and meetings among the National Poison Centre’s (NPC) team comprising staffs headed by the Coordinator of the Clearinghouse for Tob Control (Prof Rahmat Awang) and Dr T. Jayabalan, an associate member of NPC and medical adviser to the MTUC (Penang Branch) Why did we chose the project? And not others? None of the 13 states and 2 federal territories in Malaysia is smoke-free. NPC has been involved with tobacco control issues since 2001 when the Clearinghouse for Tobacco Control (C-TOB) was established. In 2005, NPC established a collaboration with Roswell Park Cancer Institute, University of Waterloo, Victoria Cancer Institute and Ministry of Health Malaysia to conduct an International Tobacco Control Policy Evaluation Survey involving 19 countries worldwide. ITCw1 - 2005 W2 2006 W3 2008 W 4 2009
Many countries in the world have have taken a bold step and becoming 100% smoke free. Smoke-free is not a new issue. It is the future. We have seen rapid progress in many parts of the globe, but the pace of changes depends mainly on the will of governments in terms of creating legislation, implementing and enforcing policies, and also strong support from the public. Ireland (March 2004) – first country in the world to go smoke-free , followed by New Zealand (Dec 2004) Uruguay (March 2008) Scotland (March 2006) Bermuda (April 2006) Also many states and territories in USA, Canada, Brazil, Argentina, Australia……. …… Even cities like New York!
In the southeast asia region, we have heard about Davao City in the Philippines, Luang Prabang in Laos and also Singapore.
The second reason why we chose the project because we have evidence that there are high support for smoke free environment from the public.
NPC has been involved with tobacco control issues since 2001 when the Clearinghouse for Tobacco Control (C-TOB) was established. In 2005, NPC established a collaboration with Roswell Park Cancer Institute, University of Waterloo, Victoria Cancer Institute and Ministry of Health Malaysia to conduct an International Tobacco Control Policy Evaluation Survey. Besides Malaysia, this survey was also conducted in 19 countries worldwide. ITCw1 - 2005 W2 2006 W3 2008 W 4 2009 From this survey
The third reason was there is a rising concern on smoking behaviour among schoolchildren. Children as early as 8 years old has started smoking. And what will happen to these children in 20 years time?
In the Global Youth Tobacco Survey conducted in 2003, it was found out that an average of 20.2 % of youth smoke
Malaysia has ratified the FCTC in September 2003. the ratification Malaysia is committed towards implementing at least ------- of the provisions listed in the FCTC. One of them is Article 8 which states that Make Png a showcase for other states to follow/emulate
Penang now has a new group of political leaders
Information included in the book: smoke-free initiatives around the world implications of smoke-free initiatives on health, economy and environment Malaysian government’s ratification of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control Steps to be taken to implement Smoke-free Penang
We On the first few meetings organised meeting. Commitment of govt
– Presentations by Prof Rahmat at the Caring Society Complex in Penang
such as the Penang Hill, Penang Botanical Garden, Mengkuang Dam, Teuk Bahang Dam, Hutan Lipur Malindo, Hutan Lipur Bukit Mertajam and other State Parks on Penang Island as well as in Seberang Prai.
Penang State Secretariat circulated a letter to all government offices in Penang informing on the smoke-free zones at KOMTAR (which housed major government offices) and also asking all Heads of Departments of federal and state agencies to inform all their staffs not to smoke in smoke-free zones.
This is followed by the initial announcement of Smoke-free Penang made on April 15, 2009 whereby the Penang State Assembly Building was declared 100% smoke-free without designated smoking area and the declaration made Penang the first state to declare the move You may ask…what ‘s the fuss about? Since all government building has been gazetted as smoke free areas. We all know that this may be true on paper, but in terms of enforcement, we know this is lacking.
In July 2009, the state govt has voice out its intention to declare Gurney Drive (recreational along beach front) which is a popular tourist spot as a smoke-free zone. In addition, the govt also propose thst those caught smoking in smoke-free areas will be fined to a max of RM500 and this amount may be reduced only if these people choose to attend awareness classes and agreed to perform community service e.g like going on streets to educate others
This shopping complex is designated as completely smoke free and smoking is not permitted in the complex. A walk through survey indicates that there is no drop in business and people are milling around all over in an atmosphere which smells good
In doing something good, there will always be grumbles and complaints. This is one example from a hard core smoker who has been smoking for more than 30 years.
Public sector trade union
Our last meeting The National Poison Centre is given the task of identifying individuals from government and non-government organisations (NGO’s) to form an advisory council to the state government to advise on the implementation of the project
Apart from working with the Penang State Government, establishing networking and collaborations with other sectors are also EQUALLY IMPORTANT!
Prn ‘s involvement with MSM’s Health & Safety Campaign in 2008 In their documented policy, they forbid all vendors, …to bring cigarette packs and lighters into their premise. Everything will be left at the gate and the inspection are done by their security personnels. 2009 – MSM has gone 100% smoke free. And this would not come true if not for the hard work and perseverance of Dr T. Jayabalan (OSHA expert) Just recently in July 2009, MSM has applied to the Penang State Government to gazette a smoke-free buffer zone within a few metres around their premise
Public places are further divided into categories, that are, 100% smoke-free, partial smoke-free and non smoke free. This project of 2-years duration is funded by the Malaysian Health Promotion Board. The outcome of this study will be presented to the state government to further support the need to provide a safe and healthy environment to workers in all sectors.
Sir Richard Doll is a British Medical Doctor who did a study on the relationship of SHS to lung cancer
Facts about Tobacco Smoke
The objectives of this workshop to create tobacco control leaders among the undergraduate students from 5 public universities, UKM, USM, UIAM, UiTM, UM
This group was formed in early May 2009. It started out with about 40 Pharmacy Students and to this date the group has grown in number to ------- During this USM convocation week, this group will put up an exhibition on tobacco control issues and will also recruit new members from other faculties. Will the Green Lung group UKM, UM, UITM, and UIAM stand up…. These student volunteer to be here and they actually fund their own accommodation and transport…………..PLEASE GIVE THEM A thunderous applause!
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