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THE Health Promotion Board and Malay/Muslim community group Clubilya have again put out a challenge to Malay smokers - abstain or quit smoking this month.
Cabaran Muharam (cabaran meaning challenge in Malay and Muharam meaning the Muslim new year) is an annual event in its fourth year.
Smokers who sign up for the challenge will undergo tests to determine their nicotine and carbon monoxide levels.
They will be provided with free workshops to teach them strategies on quitting their addiction and, family members will also get tips on how to support someone who trying to quit.
Participants are monitored for a month and surprise 'smokerlyser' tests will be sprung on them.
Those who remain smoke-free for the duration of competition could win a trip, shopping vouchers or electrical appliances.
The HPB said that the campaign was targeted at the Malay community because the smoking prevalence among Malays aged 18 to 69 at 18.6 per cent is the highest compared to other ethnic groups.
The national average is 12.6 per cent.
This is according to the 2004 National Health Survey.
This year's media campaign for anti-smoking by HPB also starts this week and takes on a new twist in its approach.
Its poster boy is deceased smoker Mohammad Abdooh Mohamed Ali, who had picked up smoking at the age of 12 and was diagnosed with cancer at 45.
He died a year later in 2006, leaving behind his wife, Elly Sukmawarni, whom he had made plans with to set up another chicken stall and go on their second honeymoon.
The HPB hopes to used his story to increase the perceived self-vulnerability among smokers and encourage them to quit smoking.
Said HPB's chief executive, Lam Pin Woon in a statement: 'Many smokers do not realise that the pain and suffering extend beyond their premature deaths, when family members struggle with the reality of losing not just their loved ones but often also their family's bread winners.'
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