USM PENANG, 11 June 2023 - Tobacco use can cause serious health problems and it is one of the main focus of all walks of life.

Tobacco use poses a serious threat to our health. It not only damages our lungs, but also weakens our bodies, and damages the well-being of our society.

In conjunction with the 'World No Tobacco Day' campaign which was annually observed on 31 May, Sekretariat Green Lung, a student volunteer body under the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (PPSF), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) today held the 'World No Tobacco Day 2023 Carnival' to raise the awareness of health and other risks associated with tobacco consumption and advocating for smoking cessation and effective policies to reduce tobacco use.

Since 2013, efforts to achieve 'TOBACCO-FREE USM' (TFUSM) have been carried out by USM through education, prevention and counseling services to foster a greater awareness of the dangers of tobacco use among students and university staff.

Held at Padang Kawad USM, this year's theme is ‘Commit to Quit’, which emphasises on the importance of quitting tobacco use and encouraging individuals to take action towards achieving a tobacco-free future.

Present at the officiating ceremony were the USM Deputy Registrar, Division of Student Development Affairs & Alumni, representing the USM Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Industry, Community Network and Institutional Sustainability and exercising the function of Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Student Development Affairs and Alumni Professor Dr. Azlan Amran, Jelfariny Mohd Jehlani.

Jelfariny in her speech said that, this approach is in line with USM's status as an APEX university, which is not only free from cigarette smoke pollution, but also to avoid any activity or form of advertising, promotion, sales and sponsorship involving cigarette companies.

“I would like to express my deepest appreciation to all the organising committee members for their commitment and tireless efforts in organising this worthwhile event to raise awareness about the ill effects of tobacco and to promote a healthier lifestyle,” said Jelfariny.

Meanwhile, USM PPSF Dean, Associate Professor Dr. Nurzalina Abdul Karim Khan said that, this 'World No Tobacco Day Carnival' provides an excellent opportunity to raise awareness about the dangers of smoking and to promote healthy and active lifestyles. The activities planned for today serve as a reminder that living a healthy life can be fun and enjoyable without smoking.

“This day holds great significance not only for the millions of people worldwide working towards tobacco control, but also for every individual who values his or her own health and that of their loved ones,” she said.

According to 'World No Tobacco Day 2023 Carnival' Project Director, Lee Chin Zhou in his speech said that together, let us pledge to create a healthier tomorrow that is free from tobacco use.

“We need food, not tobacco,” added Lee.

A Festive Neon Run 2023 with a series of exciting events were included at the same event to spread awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco use and to encourage others to join in the fight against tobacco.

Also included at the same carnival was a forum session entitled ‘Knowing That Tobacco Kills: Milestone in Tobacco Control’ presented by the Occupational Health and Lifestyle Medicine Doctor from Penang Adventist Hospital, Dr. Dicky Ng Teik Kee and Education Officer from the Consumer Association of Penang (CAP), NV Subarrow.

Text: Nur Farrah Ezlin Mohd Suhaimi/ Photo: Shahnizam Ab Rahim