George Town wins ASEAN Smoke-Free Silver for public health leadership
George Town in Penang has won the Silver Award at the ASEAN Smoke-Free Awards, recognising its efforts to create a healthier urban environment through sustained tobacco control initiatives.
Source: OANANews · September 29, 2026 at 5:02 AM · AI-assisted report
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GEORGE TOWN, PENANG, 29 SEPTEMBER 2026 —
George Town in Penang has won the Silver Award at the ASEAN Smoke-Free Awards, recognising its efforts to create a healthier urban environment through sustained tobacco control initiatives.
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The award, presented during the ASEAN Health Ministers Meeting in Kuala Lumpur, reflects collaborative efforts between government agencies, local authorities, health organisations, and communities in Penang. State Youth, Sports and Health Committee chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen said the recognition underscores the city’s role as both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a dynamic urban centre where public health policies directly impact daily life.
“This achievement is the result of sustained efforts across different agencies and sectors,” Gooi said at a press conference in Komtar on Monday. “It also reflects the commitment of our communities to creating healthier public spaces.”
The ASEAN Smoke-Free Awards, led by Laos’ Ministry of Health under the ASEAN Health Cluster 1, were organised in partnership with the Southeast Asia Tobacco Control Alliance (SEATCA) and the ASEAN Secretariat. Penang’s success highlights its position as a regional leader in tobacco control, a priority for Malaysia’s public health agenda.
The state’s efforts extend beyond the award, as Penang will host the 10th Asia-Pacific Smoke-Free Meeting on November 12–13, drawing over 200 health leaders, including ministers, mayors, and public health advocates. This year’s event marks the largest country participation in its history, with Timor-Leste joining as it integrates into ASEAN.
Gooi said the meeting would allow Penang to share its smoke-free policies while learning from global counterparts. “We view this not just as a showcase but as a platform to strengthen regional cooperation,” he said. The event, themed ‘Sustaining the Smoke-Free Legacy Against the New Tide of Nicotine’, aims to counter commercial strategies promoting e-cigarettes, heated tobacco, and nicotine pouches under public health pretexts.
Penang’s role in the meeting aligns with Malaysia’s broader public health diplomacy, reinforcing its stance against tobacco and nicotine products while fostering regional collaboration. The state’s initiatives—ranging from enforcement to public awareness—serve as a model for other ASEAN cities grappling with tobacco-related challenges.
The award and upcoming meeting underscore Penang’s dual identity: a heritage city preserving cultural landmarks while actively shaping modern public health policies. As ASEAN nations intensify tobacco control efforts, George Town’s leadership positions it as a key player in the region’s health governance.
Related: Ministry of Health of Laos · Daniel Gooi Zi Sen · George Town, Penang