05/07/2025

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Aftercare crucial to help smokers quit PETALING JAYA: For Malaysians trying to quit smoking, the battle does not end with stubbing out the final cigarette. In fact, that is only the beginning. Without proper aftercare, powerful o Counselling, support groups could sustain motivation as many fail to kick habit due to intense withdrawal symptoms, ingrained habits and environmental triggers Ű BY DEEPALAKSHMI MANICKAM newsdesk@thesundaily.com “Malaysia’s public health messaging is commendable in encouraging quitting as a first step towards a smoke-free life, but this is not a burden for the ministry alone.” Murallitharan stressed that public support is essential. “We implore the public to help smokers of any age stay quit.”

He also pointed to a widespread misconception that vaping is a safer alternative. “Vaping is not a better option,” he stressed, warning that experts have yet to fully understand its long-term impact. “Data shows that 3.9% of Malaysian adults are dual users of tobacco and e-cigarettes, which proves that many are failing to quit nicotine altogether. “A better alternative to quit smoking is to not smoke at all,” he said. Citing data from the Global Adult Tobacco Survey 2025, Murallitharan noted that 49.3% of Malaysian smokers attempted to quit last year. “With proper aftercare, far more could succeed,” he said. He added that the ministry’s mQuit services, Klinik Kesihatan, hospitals and the MySejahtera app make these resources easier to access. He encouraged families, employers and the wider community to help reinforce these efforts. “Together, we can give every Malaysian a better chance to quit for good.”

surroundings.” He added that after the first consultation, follow-up appointments are recommended within a week of the quit date, then weekly during the first month, every two weeks in the second and third months and then monthly up to six months. “A quit rate is usually defined by how many people remain abstinent for at least six months after they attempt to quit.” He said NCSM has been working with the Health Ministry to expand access to support services. “Digital approaches such as JomQuit could help sustain engagement through virtual consultations.” He said the JomSihat initiative educates the public about smoking and vaping dangers, while JomLapor empowers the community to report tobacco-related violations. He also said while public health campaigns have effectively promoted the decision to quit, the focus on aftercare should be equally strong.

withdrawal symptoms and daily triggers could pull even the most determined quitters back into nicotine addiction within days. National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM) managing director Dr Murallitharan M. said common withdrawal symptoms could overwhelm quitters. “These include cravings for cigarettes, insomnia, fatigue, irritability, anxiety, depressed mood, impatience, hunger and difficulty concentrating,” he said, adding that such symptoms could increase the probability of relapse and lower motivation. “These issues could disrupt daily functioning, strain personal relationships and even impact career prospects, while a relapse continues the financial burden.” Murallitharan said nicotine replacement therapies (NRT), such as nicotine patches, gums and sprays, help reduce the withdrawal effects by delivering nicotine safely. “Evidence shows that all forms of NRT increase the chances of a successful quit FRIM to supply 8m trees for Saudi reforestation drive KUALA LUMPUR: FRIM Incorporated (FRIM Inc) has signed a landmark memorandum of understanding (MoU) with DMELL Global and Arabian Peninsula Forests of Saudi Arabia to supply eight million trees annually in support of a reforestation initiative. The partnership aims to supply high-quality forest tree planting materials to bolster large-scale reforestation efforts in Saudi Arabia. Under the agreement, FRIM Inc, a wholly owned subsidiary of Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) will supply the trees annually, backed by decades of scientific research, tropical forest expertise and innovation developed by FRIM. FRIM director-general Datuk Dr Ismail Parlan expressed confidence that the collaboration would lead to impactful joint efforts in forest restoration, ecosystem resilience and sustainable green development. “This is more than just tree supply, it is the foundation for a broader partnership, including technical consultancy, knowledge sharing, capacity building and joint environmental planning. “Beyond providing planting materials, we are equipped to deliver end-to-end support, from technical consultancy to on-the-ground location guidance. Every tree we help plant will contribute meaningfully to resilient, biodiverse forests that fulfil both environmental and socio-economic objectives,” he said at the MoU signing ceremony that was held at the FRIM campus in Kepong on Thursday. Meanwhile, Arabian Peninsula Forest chief strategy officer Mohammed Sallam emphasised the importance in achieving Saudi Arabia’s environmental targets under its Vision 2030, which includes an ambitious goal of planting 10 billion trees and rehabilitating over 74 million hectares of land. “This is a massive undertaking, no single country can achieve it alone, and it’s not just about planting trees. In Saudi Arabia, about 95% of the land is desert soil, which cannot retain water. This collaboration could help address both challenges,” he said. – Bernama

attempt by 50% to 70%,” he said, recommending consistent daily use for at least three months. However, medication alone is not sufficient. “Many quit-smoking attempts fail because of intense withdrawal symptoms, deeply ingrained habits, strong environmental triggers like peer pressure and the use of smoking as a way to cope with stress,” he said, adding that structured aftercare is crucial in addressing such challenges. “Counselling, support groups and consistent follow-up sustain motivation and self-efficacy,” he said, stressing the importance of developing coping strategies and managing persistent challenges before relapse occurs. The Health Ministry, in collaboration with civil society groups, has introduced the STAR (Situation, Task, Actions, Result) method to guide quitting efforts, he said. “It involves setting a quit date, informing family and friends, anticipating challenges and removing tobacco products from

Obese officers will not be promoted: MACC chief

KOTA BHARU: Starting January 2026, Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) officers or personnel who are obese or do not meet the required body mass index (BMI), will not be eligible for promotion, said MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki. He said the move was aimed at emphasising the importance of health among MACC personnel, while also ensuring their fitness remained at an optimal level. “Many civil servants are dealing with obesity or excessive weight. When we’re overweight, it affects our appearance, fitness and service delivery to the public. “Just imagine if a government officer is overweight, they won’t be able to perform well and they’ll be at risk of various health problems,” he said after the handing over of duties between Kelantan MACC new director Azmin Yusoff and former director Rosli Husain here on Thursday. Azam said a circular on the matter would be issued next week and all officers would be given six months to manage their health. “This especially applies to those with weight issues, they need to lose weight unless they have underlying medical conditions. It’s important because departments such as police have already set a BMI requirement for promotions. “I will implement this at MACC, as we are also an enforcement agency. I want to make sure our officers are always fit and able to do their job well.” Azam said MACC has set a maximum BMI limit of 27, with internal administrative directives to be issued soon. “I had earlier announced that (personnel) at each state would be required to undergo health check-ups at government hospitals every three months. “State and divisional MACC directors have acted on this. If you have a health issue, seek treatment and change your lifestyle,” he said. – Bernama

Rising concern over overweight teens JERTIH: Overweight and obesity among youth aged between 10 and 19 in Terengganu are becoming increasingly worrying issues. LEARNING EXPERIENCE ... A visitor to the Kuala Lumpur Craft Museum viewing exhibits on how the Labu Sayong, a traditional Malay water pitcher crafted from clay, is made. – SYED AZAHAR SYED OSMAN/THESUN

the launch of the Terengganu Healthy Teens Agenda Programme and the Strategic Plan for Adolescent Health 2026-2030 by the Terengganu Health Department here on Thursday. She also noted that the prevalence of vaping among teenagers aged 13 to 17 in the state increased to 16.1% in 2022, up from 9.2% in 2017, Bernama reported. However, she added that the number of teenage cigarette smokers had declined to 5.8% in 2022 from 15% in 2017. “Mental health issues, including depression, among teenagers must also not be taken lightly and should be given due attention by all parties,” she said. To enhance youth engagement, nine health clinics in the state have been recognised as “Best Practice” sites for adolescent-friendly health services.

State Health director Datuk Dr Kasemani Embong said of 13,613 teenagers who underwent health screenings last year, 664 were found to be obese, 1,689 were overweight, while 1,697 were underweight. “Dietary habits are among the factors identified as contributing to weight issues among teenagers, including excessive intake of sugary and fatty drinks beyond recommended levels. “As part of efforts to raise awareness and address this dietary issue, the Health Ministry has introduced the Healthy Meals in School Programme. “As of June this year, 18 schools in Terengganu have implemented it,” she said at