MoH To Implement Tobacco Order 2005
By Sonia K

Bandar Seri Begawan - In Brunei Darussalam, the main causes of death are lung disease, cancer, stroke and diabetes. All of these have risk factors that are linked to smoking. The main cancer disease is lung and bronchus cancer, which is closely related to smoking.

This was stated by the Minister of Health, Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Hj Awg Suyoi, in his speech as guest of honour at the World No Tobacco Day launching ceremony held at The Mall in Gadong, yesterday.

According to the minister, the incidence of lung and bronchus cancer in Brunei had increased from 30 cases in 2003 to 56 cases in 2005.

This year's theme, which as chosen by World Health Organisation, is "100 per cent tobacco-free environment", while the slogan for this year's World No Tobacco Day is "Smoke-free inside – Create and Enjoy 100 per cent Smoke Free Environments".

"This theme gives attention for promoting an environment that is 100 per cent free from tobacco smoke in the most effective ways to protect the public from exposure to tobacco smoke," said the guest of honour.

"The Ministry of Health (MoH) in time to come will implement the Tobacco Order 2005 and its regulations. This order aims to protect the health of the citizens and residents of Brunei Darussalam from the negative effects of tobacco usage and tobacco products," the Health Minister said.

The Tobacco Order consists of four laws, namely the prohibition of adverts associated with cigarettes, restriction of tobacco materials, restriction of sales, promotion, packaging and label of tobacco materials and the prohibition of smoking in specified places.

"With this implementation, soon smoking will be restricted at certain places such as at all government buildings and premises, all hospitals and medical clinics and health centers and all buildings used for commercial or recreational purposes which include inside the lift and public toilets."

Other than that, smoking is also prohibited in public transportation such as buses and taxis.

In another speech, the chairperson of the event's organising committee, Dr Hjh Norhayati bte Hj Md Kassim who is also the Head of Health Promotion and Education Department, said that the smoking habit is still high among countries around the world, including Brunei. These common habits are widespread and still constitute the main cause of a variety of health problems that affect the quality of life, lack of job productivity as well as unpredicted ‘pramasa’ deaths.  -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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