Smoke Free Melaka is an initiative of the Melaka State Government, the Ministry of Health and Melaka Health Department together with MyWATCH(Malaysian Women’s Action for Tobacco Control and Health), Health Promotion Board, Malaysia, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Melaka State agencies, local authorities, & SEATCA, after a baseline survey carried out recently indicated overall 80% positive support for a smoke free environment.
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In conjunction with the national level celebration of World Health Day 2010 held at Dataran Pahlawan, Melaka on 11th April 2010, Smoke Free Melaka Program was launched by the Chief Minister of Melaka.
Smoke Free Melaka is an initiative of the Melaka State Government, the Ministry of Health and Melaka Health Department together with MyWATCH(Malaysian Women’s Action for Tobacco Control and Health), Health Promotion Board, Malaysia, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Melaka State agencies, local authorities, & SEATCA, after a baseline survey carried out recently indicated overall 80% positive support for a smoke free environment.
Apart from no smoking areas already listed in the Tobacco Control Act (PPKHT) 2004, this Smoke Free Program/Initiative applies to be gazetted specific areas like the World Heritage and Melaka Raya zone, the Hang Tuah & Melaka International Trade Centre (MITC) zone, as well as Alor Gajah and Jasin towns of Melaka State.
Guidelines and brochures, on-going briefing to retailers, government agencies and the public, more publicity and media support, clear display of signages(a choice of No Smoking Zone or the Smoke Free Melaka logo) and demarcation of Smoke Free zones, public awareness talks, support by community leaders and organistions, heritage bodies and strict enforcement of smoking infractions after an initial grace period, etc are among the measures to ensure successful implementation.
These steps are necessary to ensure international recognition and validation of Melaka’s smoke free status, achievable after two years of successful implementation.
