| Azlan Othman |
SMUGGLED cigarettes are a major concern to Brunei Darussalam as they contain more nicotine.
According to National Anti-Drug Association of Brunei Darussalam (BASMIDA) President Datin Hajah Masni binti Haji Mohd Ali, “The health authorities have not issued permits for anyone to import cigarettes. All cigarettes are smuggled in with no health warning or details of nicotine content. The nicotine content could be very high and very dangerous to smokers.”
Brunei Darussalam does not get much revenue from cigarettes, although the import duty has skyrocketed, she added.
The BASMIDA president noted this at the Brunei International Airport yesterday, prior to her departure to Penang, Malaysia to attend the 5th Smoke-Free Cities Regional Workshop and the Summit of Smoke-Free Leaders and Champions in Asean (from July 19-22) at the invitation of the Southeast Asia Tobacco Control Alliance (SEATCA).
“The workshop’s primary objective is to share updates and learn from the best practices of countries, cities and other smoke-free settings/places in the Asean region.
“It is also preparing a Penang Declaration for Smoke-free Kids Day Out at home, transportation and public places,” she added.
As the national anti-drug association, BASMIDA has been involved in the campaign against tobacco (considered a gateway to drugs) and campaigning on how it is wise to not pick up the habit.
“It is therefore appropriate that BASMIDA has been invited to participate in this regional workshop, she said.
“I advise teenagers that if they want to be attractive, do not smoke. That is our campaign. BASMIDA is among the first non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to raise this smoking issue, which has led to the government organising anti-tobacco seminars locally,” she said, adding, “I urge youths to enrol in the anti-tobacco drive.”
“Our other concern is young children – as they are also exposed. BASMIDA feels that protecting them from toxins of second-and third-hand smoke (passive smoking) or nicotine stained clothes is a joint responsibility.
“In terms of tobacco supply, Brunei has already restricted the importation of tobacco. Several of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam’s titah on tobacco control will be highlighted at the event,” she said.
“Healthy lifestyle focuses not only on controlling food intake and exercising, but also preserving the environment for children to live a tobacco free condition.”
Datin Hajah Masni was accompanied by BASMIDA Vice President Hajah Linda Aini binti Abdullah.
Datin Hajah Masni will provide information on measures taken by the Brunei Government to control tobacco smoke in the country, which includes health education promotion at schools.
BASMIDA has also created posters, as requested by the organisers, detailing legislative provisions prohibiting smoking in public places. They were prepared with the help of government agencies.
Included in the workshop programme is a town hall-type meeting discussing ‘Banning smoking around children’ from homes to cars to public places, even parks.
Participants will be expected to present their ideas and experience on ways to enhance the effectiveness of smoke-free measures.
The important points in the discussion will be used in the Penang Declaration.
The 5th Smoke Free Cities Regional Workshop and the Summit of Smoke Free Leaders and Champions in Asean is organised by SEATCA in close collaboration with the Malaysian Health Promotion Board, Penang State Health Department and World Health Organization (WHO) in the Western Pacific Region together with Framework Convention Alliance (FCA), Smoke Free Cities Asean Network (SCAN) and Smoke Free Heritage Sites Alliance.
It is supported by Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
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