Bureau Takes Anti-Smoking Stance
By Syazwan Sadikin

Bandar Seri Begawan - The Language and Literature Bureau showed their support for the anti-tobacco campaign with a gathering yesterday to emphasise their stance on smoking. At the event, an officer of the bureau, Awang Hidup Hj Md Zin, recited poetry on the dangers and effects of smoking.

This was followed by Awang Hidup and two of his colleagues stomping on a mock-up of giant cigarettes. The demonstration was meant to symbolise their anti-smoking stance.

The bureau's anti-smoking campaign aimed to enhance awareness of the dangers of smoking, its dire effects on health and how the habit can be costly. Among present at the gathering was the Bureau's Director, Dr Mataim Bakar.

The bureau also released a limited edition bookmark to show the harmful effects of smoking and provides a health advisory to the discerning reader.

The bookmark's slogan reads, Pembunuh Senyap, Dihisap, Lasap, Lanyap. Padamkan tia sebelum ia padamkan biskita, which loosely translates into: "Silent killer, inhale, wasteful, harmful, extinguish it before it extinguishes you."

Anti-smoking campaigns in the sultanate began in late 1980s with emphasis on improving the general public's awareness on the harmful effects of the deadly habit.

Meanwhile, the prohibition of tobacco advertisements and the stringent controls of tobacco imports and sales of tobacco products were put into effect in 2005, under the Tobacco Act. Under the act, selling tobacco to the under-aged is also prohibited.

Areas which fall under the jurisdiction of the Order includes government premises, except hospitals, health centres and clinics, industrial and recreational premises, education institutions, public services and vehicles.

The restrictions on tobacco advertisements began with Radio Television Brunei banning the broadcast of smoking advertisements in 1972.

On August 15, 1990, the Ministry of Health proclaimed all buildings under the ministry as no-smoking zones. This was then taken on board by all arms of the government on September 1, 1994. -- Courtesy of The Brunei Times

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