Latest news with #NoraryanaHassan
The Sun
3 days ago
- Health
- The Sun
WHO applauds Malaysia's tobacco reforms, backed by pharmacists, advocates
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's anti-smoking campaign received a significant boost on World No Tobacco Day, as three national health advocates were honoured by the World Health Organisation (WHO) for their contributions to tobacco control. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, Ministry of Health deputy director of the Disease Control Division Dr Noraryana Hassan and Malaysian Council for Tobacco Control (MCTC) chairman Assoc Prof Dr Murallitharan Munisamy were recognised for their roles in shaping Malaysia's tobacco policy. In a statement today, the Malaysian Pharmacists Society (MPS) welcomed the award as a sign of global recognition for the country's collaborative approach. MPS president Amrahi Buang reiterated the society's support for stronger domestic measures, including stricter enforcement against unregulated vape sales and the Generational End Game (GEG) provision to phase out smoking for future generations. He said the society remains active in national policymaking platforms such as the MCTC, the Poisons Board and the Pharmacy Board of Malaysia. 'Pharmacists are on the front lines of cessation work. Through the mQuit programme, we provide nicotine replacement therapy and counselling at both public and private healthcare facilities. We need clear, consistent policy support to ensure these efforts succeed,' he added. In a separate statement, MCTC Secretary-General Muhammad Sha'ani Abdullah said 2025 had marked two major milestones in Malaysia's tobacco control efforts, namely the international recognition from the WHO and the successful adoption of the Lung Health Initiative Resolution at the World Health Assembly, a global commitment to strengthening the prevention of lung diseases. He noted that the passage of the Tobacco Control Act 852 earlier this year also laid crucial groundwork for regulating tobacco and nicotine products, but warned that passing the law is only the first step. 'The Act is only the beginning. What we need now is a commitment to put public health ahead of profit and realising Malaysia's vision of a tobacco-free society,' he said.
The Sun
3 days ago
- Health
- The Sun
WHO applauds Malaysia's tobacco reforms
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's anti-smoking campaign received a significant boost on World No Tobacco Day, as three national health advocates were honoured by the World Health Organisation (WHO) for their contributions to tobacco control. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, Ministry of Health deputy director of the Disease Control Division Dr Noraryana Hassan and Malaysian Council for Tobacco Control (MCTC) chairman Assoc Prof Dr Murallitharan Munisamy were recognised for their roles in shaping Malaysia's tobacco policy. In a statement today, the Malaysian Pharmacists Society (MPS) welcomed the award as a sign of global recognition for the country's collaborative approach. MPS president Amrahi Buang reiterated the society's support for stronger domestic measures, including stricter enforcement against unregulated vape sales and the Generational End Game (GEG) provision to phase out smoking for future generations. He said the society remains active in national policymaking platforms such as the MCTC, the Poisons Board and the Pharmacy Board of Malaysia. 'Pharmacists are on the front lines of cessation work. Through the mQuit programme, we provide nicotine replacement therapy and counselling at both public and private healthcare facilities. We need clear, consistent policy support to ensure these efforts succeed,' he added. In a separate statement, MCTC Secretary-General Muhammad Sha'ani Abdullah said 2025 had marked two major milestones in Malaysia's tobacco control efforts, namely the international recognition from the WHO and the successful adoption of the Lung Health Initiative Resolution at the World Health Assembly, a global commitment to strengthening the prevention of lung diseases. He noted that the passage of the Tobacco Control Act 852 earlier this year also laid crucial groundwork for regulating tobacco and nicotine products, but warned that passing the law is only the first step. 'The Act is only the beginning. What we need now is a commitment to put public health ahead of profit and realising Malaysia's vision of a tobacco-free society,' he said.
The Star
3 days ago
- Health
- The Star
WHO applauds Malaysia's tobacco reforms, backed by pharmacists, advocates
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's anti-smoking campaign received a significant boost on World No Tobacco Day, as three national health advocates were honoured by the World Health Organisation (WHO) for their contributions to tobacco control. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, Health Ministry deputy director of the Disease Control Division Dr Noraryana Hassan and Malaysian Council for Tobacco Control (MCTC) chairman Assoc Prof Dr Murallitharan Munisamy were recognised for their roles in shaping Malaysia's tobacco policy. In a statement on Saturday (May 31), the Malaysian Pharmacists Society (MPS) welcomed the award as a sign of global recognition for the country's collaborative approach. MPS president Amrahi Buang reiterated the society's support for stronger domestic measures, including stricter enforcement against unregulated vape sales and the Generational End Game (GEG) provision to phase out smoking for future generations. He said the society remains active in national policymaking platforms such as the MCTC, the Poisons Board and the Pharmacy Board of Malaysia. "Pharmacists are on the front lines of cessation work. Through the mQuit programme, we provide nicotine replacement therapy and counselling at both public and private healthcare facilities. We need clear, consistent policy support to ensure these efforts succeed,' he added. In a separate statement, MCTC Secretary-General Muhammad Sha'ani Abdullah said 2025 had marked two major milestones in Malaysia's tobacco control efforts, namely the international recognition from the WHO and the successful adoption of the Lung Health Initiative Resolution at the World Health Assembly, a global commitment to strengthening the prevention of lung diseases. He said that the passage of the Tobacco Control Act 852 earlier this year also laid crucial groundwork for regulating tobacco and nicotine products, but warned that passing the law is only the first step. "The Act is only the beginning. What we need now is a commitment to put public health ahead of profit and realising Malaysia's vision of a tobacco-free society,' he said.- Bernama
Barnama
3 days ago
- Health
- Barnama
WHO Applauds Malaysia's Tobacco Reforms, Backed By Pharmacists, Advocates
KUALA LUMPUR, May 31 (Bernama) -- Malaysia's anti-smoking campaign received a significant boost on World No Tobacco Day, as three national health advocates were honoured by the World Health Organisation (WHO) for their contributions to tobacco control. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, Ministry of Health deputy director of the Disease Control Division Dr Noraryana Hassan and Malaysian Council for Tobacco Control (MCTC) chairman Assoc Prof Dr Murallitharan Munisamy were recognised for their roles in shaping Malaysia's tobacco policy. In a statement today, the Malaysian Pharmacists Society (MPS) welcomed the award as a sign of global recognition for the country's collaborative approach. MPS president Amrahi Buang reiterated the society's support for stronger domestic measures, including stricter enforcement against unregulated vape sales and the Generational End Game (GEG) provision to phase out smoking for future generations. He said the society remains active in national policymaking platforms such as the MCTC, the Poisons Board and the Pharmacy Board of Malaysia. 'Pharmacists are on the front lines of cessation work. Through the mQuit programme, we provide nicotine replacement therapy and counselling at both public and private healthcare facilities. We need clear, consistent policy support to ensure these efforts succeed,' he added. In a separate statement, MCTC Secretary-General Muhammad Sha'ani Abdullah said 2025 had marked two major milestones in Malaysia's tobacco control efforts, namely the international recognition from the WHO and the successful adoption of the Lung Health Initiative Resolution at the World Health Assembly, a global commitment to strengthening the prevention of lung diseases. He noted that the passage of the Tobacco Control Act 852 earlier this year also laid crucial groundwork for regulating tobacco and nicotine products, but warned that passing the law is only the first step. 'The Act is only the beginning. What we need now is a commitment to put public health ahead of profit and realising Malaysia's vision of a tobacco-free society,' he said.
New Straits Times
20-05-2025
- Health
- New Straits Times
Health Minister among 3 Malaysians honoured with WHO's World No Tobacco Day award
KUALA LUMPUR: Three Malaysians have been honoured with the World Health Organisation's (WHO) 'World No Tobacco Day Award' during the opening session of the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland, yesterday. The recipients are Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad; the ministry's Disease Control Division deputy director Dr Noraryana Hassan; and the Malaysian Council for Tobacco Control (MCTC) president Associate Professor Dr Murallitharan Munisamy. MCTC secretary-general Muhammad Sha'ani Abdullah, in a statement, said the award was presented by WHO director-general Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus in conjunction with World No Tobacco Day, observed annually on May 31. "This annual global award recognises the contributions of individuals, organisations, and government agencies worldwide in advancing tobacco control efforts. It is the first time the award has been presented to recipients from Malaysia. "This award acknowledges their roles in the development and implementation of the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024, an initiative pursued since Malaysia ratified the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) in 2005," he said. Dzulkefly, in the same statement, described the award as a victory for all Malaysians and a testament to the nation's commitment to protecting current and future generations from the harmful effects of tobacco and vaping products. "Bringing this law through Parliament required us to overcome numerous legal, economic, and social challenges, including the Covid-19 pandemic and several changes of government. Although the law has been passed, our tobacco control efforts remain ongoing and are being further strengthened, especially in light of emerging issues such as the recent concerns surrounding vaping," he said. Meanwhile, Dr Noraryana said the award reflects the collective efforts and spirit of teamwork among the ministry, government agencies, and the public, especially civil society organisations. "We have successfully got this law passed, which is a significant achievement. However, our work is far from over. The real challenge lies in implementing and enforcing it to ensure it makes a meaningful impact on public health," she said. Dr Murallitharan, meanwhile, emphasised the vital role of civil society in shaping health policy and described the award as a testament to the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders. "MCTC, for example, unites health professional organisations like the Malaysian Medical Association, community groups, and academic institutions to advance the nation's health. This recognition belongs to all contributors - past, present, and future," he said. The 78th World Health Assembly, held in Geneva from May 19 to 27, themed 'One World for Health,' is the WHO's highest decision-making body. It brings together representatives from 193 member states. Malaysia is expected to present several interventions, including one on the integrated lung health resolution.
