PETALING JAYA: With possibly millions of Malaysians suffering from some form of lung disease, the Health Ministry has launched a five-day lung health awareness drive, named the Live, Laugh, Lungs campaign.
Held at the 1 Utama Shopping Centre, the campaign aims to educate and encourage the public to care for their lungs proactively through prevention, early detection and healthier lifestyle choices.
Visitors can take part in a range of activities, including free screenings using AI-powered chest X-rays as well as smoking cessation services.
Free influenza vaccination for senior citizens is also offered at the campaign.
Health Minister Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said lung health campaigns had become vital as cases of Malaysian adults and children with lung disease remain at worrying numbers.
"Nearly half a million Malaysian children aged between six and 17 are living with asthma, while more than 1.4 million adults have been diagnosed with the disease.
"Lung cancer also remains the second most common cancer among men and the third most common among women in our country," he said in his speech during the launch of the Live, Laugh, Lungs campaign on Saturday (Sept 6).
He added that Malaysia also recorded 26,183 new cases of tuberculosis in 2024 alone.
Dzulkefly said the campaign serves as another vital platform to both educate and empower Malaysians to take charge of their health.
"Lung health is the foundation of a quality life so together, let us put an end to smoking, get regular check-ups, and cherish every breath; for ourselves, loved ones and a healthier future Malaysia.
"Remember, we can only live and laugh together if all our lungs are healthy," he added.
As part of the campaign, Kenvue Malaysia will also contribute RM10 to NCSM for every participant who completes all activities at the campaign’s booths.
Dr Dzulkefly said these funds will go towards purchasing screening machines for the early detection of lung cancer and supporting underprivileged communities in their quit-smoking efforts.
He also highlighted his Ministry's effort to make Nicotine Replacement Therapy more accessible, revealing that Watsons Malaysia has pledged to expand the availability of Nicotine Replacement Therapy products across all its outlets by the end of Oct this year.
Jointly organised by the National Cancer Society of Malaysia, Kenvue Malaysia and Watsons Malaysia, the campaign will run from Wednesday (Sept 3) until this Sunday (Sept 7).
