Smoking Can Lower Quality Of Life, Says Minister
By P Marilyn

Bandar Seri Begawan - Brunei Darussalam is currently facing an increase in chronic diseases that are non-contagious and preventable, such as cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney diseases and coronary heart diseases.

This was said by Acting Minister of Health Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Laila Diraja Dato Paduka Awang Haji Hazair bin Haji Abdullah in a speech during the handover of Tobacco Act 2005 poster and "no smoking" notice yesterday.

The acting minister said the increase is due to the modern way of life, such as eating trends and lack of physical activities as well as smoking habits and the effects of second-hand smoke.

Smoking and the use of tobacco products are known to have various negative effects on the health, he said, adding that it could lead to heart diseases, cancer, stroke and breathing difficulties.

Smoking can bring down the quality of life, said the acting minister, emphasising that the main cause of death in the country is caused by diseases associated with smoking.

"The use of tobacco not only affects the smokers but also devastates the health of passive smokers," he said. "As one of the long-term strategies in the context of health in Brunei, the Ministry of Health not only plays a role in remedy but will continue to uncover the source of diseases."

The acting minister also noted the importance of the Tobacco Act 2005, which will be enforced on June 1, as a step to protecting the citizens from the negative effects of tobacco.

Under the act, smoking is not allowed in public places, including government buildings and public transportations.

The acting minister said since 1994, smoking has been prohibited in all government buildings. However, there is still a segment of the population that is indifferent to the prohibition of smoking.

With the enforcement of the act, he said, actions will be taken on those who do not comply with the regulations and will be slapped with a fine of no more than $1,000.

"In this context, it is the responsibility of all heads of departments, heads of sections and heads of units to ensure that everyone obliges by the rules and regulations," he said. "In cases where they do not comply, these heads have the authority to send them away and seek help from the police or other law enforcers appointed under this act."

He also said, "As a civil community, we need to respect the rules and support the aspirations of the Government of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam to protect the citizens from the dangers of smoking."

The acting minister also urged all civil servants to be role models by complying with the Tobacco Act 2005. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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