WE are a coalition of professionals from diverse disciplines who desire to reduce the public health threat of smoking and protect the rights of non-smokers in Malaysia. Therefore, two recent developments are particularly disappointing. There has been a small group loudly advocating for the rights of smokers, and the Housing and Local Government Minister has allocated RM1mil to build smoking areas. We firmly disagree with this approach and urge the entire government to unite against smoking, end the mixed messages around its harms, be good role models to our children and protect our right to clean air.
Smoking kills. Every 20 minute, one Malaysian dies from diseases caused by smoking, such as cancer, stroke or heart disease.
