Malaysia (Commonwealth Union)_ Three Malaysians have been honoured with the World Health Organization‘s (WHO) World No Tobacco Day Award during the opening session of the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland. This prestigious international recognition marks a significant milestone for Malaysia’s ongoing efforts in tobacco control. The award recipients are Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad; the Ministry of Health’s Disease Control Division Deputy Director Dr Noraryana Hassan; and Associate Professor Dr Murallitharan Munisamy, President of the Malaysian Council for Tobacco Control (MCTC). The awards were presented by WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus in conjunction with World No Tobacco Day, which is commemorated annually on May 31.
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In a statement issued by MCTC Secretary-General Muhammad Sha’ani Abdullah, the award is said to recognise significant contributions made by individuals, organisations, and government bodies worldwide in advancing tobacco control. He noted that this is the first time Malaysians have been selected for this honour. “These awards reflect Malaysia’s steadfast commitment to public health and the development of the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024,” said Muhammad Sha’ani. “The legislation is the result of years of advocacy and policy development, tracing back to Malaysia’s ratification of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) in 2005.”
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Dr Dzulkefly described the award as a victory for all Malaysians, acknowledging the broad coalition of stakeholders who helped steer the law through Parliament amid complex legal, social, and political challenges. “This recognition by WHO underscores our determination to shield current and future generations from the harms of tobacco and vaping products. Though the Act has been passed, the task ahead lies in effective implementation and adapting to new threats, such as the surge in vaping,” he said.
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Dr Noraryana echoed the sentiment, highlighting the collaborative spirit behind the policy’s success. “This award belongs to all the dedicated individuals in the Health Ministry, civil society, and partner organisations who have worked tirelessly to bring this legislation to life. Our next hurdle is ensuring its enforcement to protect public health meaningfully,” she stated. Dr Murallitharan stressed the vital role of civil society in shaping national health policy. “This award acknowledges the collective effort of many—from medical professionals to community advocates. MCTC brings together diverse stakeholders, including the Malaysian Medical Association and academic institutions, to push for stronger tobacco control. The recognition belongs to all who contributed to this cause.”
Each year, WHO selects individuals and institutions from its six global regions to receive the World No Tobacco Day Awards and the Director-General’s Special Recognition Awards. In 2025, special awards were also presented to Dr Mohamed Muizzu, President of the Republic of Maldives, and the Ministry of Health and Wellness of Mauritius. The Director-General’s Special Recognition Certificate was awarded to the Global Center for Good Governance in Tobacco Control (GGTC). The 78th World Health Assembly, held from May 19 to 27 under the theme “One World for Health”, is WHO’s highest decision-making forum, attended by representatives from 193 member states. Malaysia is also slated to present interventions, including a proposal on an integrated lung health resolution.
