GEORGE TOWN has been recognised with the Silver Award at the ASEAN Smoke-Free Awards (ASA) 2026, in recognition of its sustained efforts to create a healthier and smoke-free urban environment.
The award was presented by Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad to Penang Youth, Sports and Health Committee chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen, who also chaired the Penang Smoke-Free Steering Committee (PENBAR), during the Plenary Session of the 17th ASEAN Health Ministers Meeting (AHMM) at the JW Marriott Hotel in Kuala Lumpur on Sept 10.
Penang Health Department director Dr Zulhizzam Abdullah described the achievement as a significant recognition of the state’s long-standing commitment to tobacco control and public health promotion.
“This recognition reflects the collective efforts and commitment of the Penang state government, government agencies, non-governmental organisations and the community in supporting smoke-free initiatives across the state,” he said.
Dr Zulhizzam said the award acknowledged not only the achievements attained thus far, but also the continuous efforts undertaken by various stakeholders to ensure a healthier environment for the public.
The ASEAN Smoke-Free Awards assess cities and localities based on several criteria, including policy implementation, leadership, multi-sectoral collaboration, strategic planning, monitoring, advocacy, enforcement and government support.
In Penang, smoke-free initiatives have been driven through the Penang Smoke-Free (PENBAR) programme since 2012, involving collaboration among various agencies to strengthen policies, enforcement, monitoring and public education efforts.
One of the state’s key milestones was the gazettement of the George Town World Heritage Site as a non-smoking zone on July 4, 2015.
Dr Zulhizzam said the recognition would serve as motivation for all parties to continue strengthening cooperation and maintaining George Town as a smoke-free city.
“We hope this achievement will further encourage all stakeholders to continue protecting public health and ensuring a cleaner and healthier environment for future generations,” he added.
At the ASEAN Smoke-Free Awards 2026, Baguio City in the Philippines received the Gold Award, while George Town was the sole recipient of the Silver Award.
The Bronze Award recipients were Kuala Lumpur, Depok City in Indonesia, Thanbyuzayat Township in Myanmar, Pasig City in the Philippines and Maha Sarakham in Thailand. Singapore received the Special Recognition for Smoke-Free Enforcement award.
Story by Edmund Lee