GEORGE TOWN: The Tobacco Quitline, a telephone facility offering comprehensive smoking cessation service, was launched today.
The launch of the joint initiative by Johnson & Johnson Malaysia and Universiti Sains Malaysia was witnessed by Deputy Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Hilmi Yahaya.
The USM Tobacco Quitline comes under the mQuit Smoking Cessation Programme.
Dr Hilmi said the initiative provides continuous assistance and advice to quitters throughout the quitting journey.
"In Malaysia, we have some five million smokers and the majority are male.
"As such, the ministry continuously take steps to ensure these smokers are given proper treatment (to quit smoking)," he said.
Meanwhile, Johnson & Johnson Malaysia managing director Chin Keat Chyuan said as the leading healthcare company in the world, it was committed to assisting the government in achieving the national target of helping 130,000 smokers a year quit smoking, over the next three years.
"With Quitline and the availability of the various smoking cessation platforms, such as quit clinics and jomquit.com.my, we hope to help smokers quit.
"In the long run, we also aim to create a healthier community and nation," he said.
Members of the public can call the helpline at 04-653 5999.