Health, Communications Ministries Launch Short Video To combat Smoking, Vaping

KUALA LUMPUR, June 4 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Health (MOH), in collaboration with the Ministry of Communications, today launched a short video titled ‘The Black Mark’, which delivers a message on the dangers of smoking and the use of electronic cigarettes (vapes), particularly among the younger generation, as part of efforts to safeguard public health.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad and Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil officiated the premiere screening of the six-minute video through the “Back to Cinema – Love Your Lungs (PaPa)” programme at GSC Mid Valley Megamall here.

Dzulkefly said the use of visual art mediums such as short films to deliver public health messages is seen as an innovative approach capable of having a deeper impact on society.

“This type of programme is an integrated initiative that is very creative, as it combines visual arts, public health awareness, and community involvement to prevent smoking and vaping among Malaysians, especially the younger generation,” he told reporters.

However, he stressed that the prevention of smoking and vaping must begin at home, with parents playing the main role as health protectors and role models for their children.

“The main message is the role of parents in guiding and ensuring their children do not fall into the habit of smoking, let alone vaping, which is now becoming a major concern,” he said.

Fahmi said the Ministry of Communications, through the National Film Development Corporation (Finas), would help facilitate the screening of the short video as a public service message in cinemas nationwide.

“This is to raise awareness about the importance of shielding our children from the vaping culture,” he said.

Meanwhile, MOH in a statement said the ‘PaPa Programme’ and ‘The Black Mark’ short video, which premiered today, will continue to be aired in several states including Kedah, Negeri Sembilan and Melaka.

The initiative will be driven by the Malaysian Drug Prevention Association (PEMADAM) in collaboration with MOH and the National Lung Health Initiative.

“The Black Mark will be played in cinemas before film screenings as part of a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative in collaboration with FINAS,” the statement said.

At the same time, MOH stated that the PaPa programme also involved the participation of Public Housing (PPR) communities, orphanages, schools around Lembah Pantai, and Orang Asli communities through collaboration with the Department of Orang Asli Development (JAKOA).

“MOH remains committed to ensuring the community’s health is safeguarded not just through treatment, but also continuous health advocacy at the grassroots, at home, and fully supported by policymakers, government and private agencies, as well as the community,” the statement added.

-- BERNAMA