Smokers won't get awards

ALOR STAR: State health officials who smoke will not be considered for excellent service awards.
State health director Dr Marzukhi Md Isa said the move was to ensure that health personnel "walk the talk" in practising a healthy lifestyle.

"Those working in the department should be the ones in the forefront to promote healthy living and to set a good example to the public.


"If you are a doctor but also a smoker, how can you advise your patients to give up smoking?"

He said this after launching the state-level World Heart Day celebration, themed "I Work With Heart" at the Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital here yesterday.

Dr Marzukhi said the ruling applied to 13,000 civil servants in the Health Department.


"Of the 13,000, about 30 per cent are smokers and the majority are males. They are the ones who will be excluded from being recipients of the 2009 service excellence awards which will be presented this year.

"Only non-smoking staff or those who quit the habit are eligible to have their performance evaluated for the awards."