By: Azlan Othman
Date: Tuesday, 3 June, 2008
Source: Borneo Bulletin

Minister of Health Pehin Dato Hj Suyoi speaks at the function

Deputy Minister of Health Pehin Dato Hazair puts up a 'no smoking' poster.

Minister of Health (R) helps an officer put on the new vest.


One of the exhibits highlighting the dangers of smoking

Cheerful nurses at the event

Learning more about the Tobacco Order

RIPAS Hospital, the nation's leading medical institution, yesterday introduced its very own Anti Tobacco Action Team that will ensure that all visitors and patients will not be allowed to puff on that lethal cigarette anymore.

The ATAT which will be like an 'A-Team' will scrutinise and patrol the premises against any miscreants who violate the current anti-smoking regulations, especially in the no-smoking areas.

The RIPAS Hospital management appointed several officers and staff of the hospital including security staff of Setia Protective Services for such duty.

They have been briefed on their roles and responsibilities, Tobacco Order 2005 and guidelines to deal with any smokers at RIPAS Hospital.

The teams are divided into groups of three and will carry out patrols according to specified times.

The presentation of vests for the officers was done yesterday at a ceremony to coincide with the "World No Tobacco Day" officiated by the Minister of Health, Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awg Hj Suyoi at the foyer of the RIPAS Hospital.

The Minister said the Tobacco Order 2005 is not unique to Brunei. Asean countries like Singapore and Thailand have long enforced such Order progressively. European nations like UK and France have begun to enforce laws without facing negative reaction from the public. Instead, the public has applauded these moves and abided by the rules without any protest.

For instance, in the UK, all dining outlets no longer allow their patrons to smoke inside the restaurants.

Effective year-end 2008, images of warning will be pasted in every cigarette pack. This has long been introduced in countries like Canada.

The Minister added, the "World No Tobacco Day" was observed every May 31 to remind one on the dangers of smoking.

Smoking is a risk factor that leads to heart disease and the main cause of death. Smoking increases the risk of heart disease by 25% to 35%.

Ironically despite more facts being disseminated on the dangers of smoking, more people seem to be attracted to smoking. This may be due to the fact that tobacco production industry spends billions of dollars annually to market their products, through aggressive advertising showcasing the trendy lifestyle of smoking.

This happens in developing countries with low income per capita where the enforcement is not adequately done by respective authorities. Youths are easily attracted to such advertising.

The Minister also said, the theme for the No Tobacco Day which reads "Tobacco-Free-Youth" is timely in our effort to give protection and awareness to youths not to get influenced by the smoking advertisements and not to get acquainted with smoking.

The Minister added, one of the ways to reduce smoking among the youths is by curbing advertising, directly or indirectly, including prohibiting sponsorship from tobacco industry. This is clearly stated in the Tobacco Order 2005 and Tobacco Regulations 2007.

Tobacco Order 2005 also highlighted that it is an offence to sell and supply tobacco products to those aged 18 or below. Licensed retailers that sell tobacco were urged to showcase such prohibition notice.

The Tobacco Order 2005 and Tobacco Regulations 2007 that took into effect starting Sunday (June 1st, 2008) were introduced to protect the public health from all sorts of diseases relating to smoking and cigarette smoke.

Meanwhile speaking on the Anti Tobacco Action Team (ATAT), Dr Hjh Norlila, CEO of RIPAS hospital said RIPAS staff is also encouraged to prohibit smokers among its staff. Should they feel reluctant or not confident enough, they can contact ATAT.

At the ceremony, the Minister also placed a "No Smoking Sign" at the foyer of the Outpatient Block of the RIPAS hospital.

-End-