THE Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) has expressed its concern and strong opposition to the acceptance of donations from brewery and tobacco companies by schools.
MMA president Dr Azizan Abdul Aziz said allowing such contributions sends a harmful message to the nation’s youth and undermines efforts to promote a healthy learning environment.
“While some schools may be in desperate need of funding, the line should be clearly drawn on who they can accept donations from. Schools should be a place to inculcate healthy habits among our young,” she noted in a statement on Thursday (July 25).
“The government must also ensure that both national and vernacular schools are well supported with sufficient funding.
“Investing in education and talent should be among the nation’s highest priorities. It is saddening to hear that many schools are still under-funded, leaving them little choice but to seek donations from the private sector.”
Dr Azizan, citing reports, said tobacco use is responsible for approximately 7 million deaths annually, while alcohol use accounts for around 3.3 million deaths each year.
These substances are directly linked to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and respiratory illnesses, which pose a long-term burden on our healthcare system and society.
“The influence of alcohol and tobacco on young minds cannot be underestimated. By accepting donations from these industries, schools risk normalising substance use among students, undermining efforts to cultivate good habits and healthy lifestyles from an early age,” she noted.
“Education should empower students, not expose them to behaviours that can lead to addiction and related health issues later in life.”
According to Dr Azizan, substance use among youth not only affects their health but also has broader social and economic implication, including decreased academic performance, higher dropout rates and long-term unproductivity.
She said this, in turn, places a burden on families, the healthcare system, and society as a whole. Preventing substance use from an early age is crucial to reducing these negative outcomes and fostering a healthier, more productive population.
“The MMA urges all educational institutions to adhere strictly to any existing guidelines that prohibit funding from tobacco and alcohol companies,” Dr Azizan said.
“We call upon policymakers, school leaders, and the community to uphold these critical standards that protect our educational environments from the influence of harmful industries.
“Schools should be places that promote wellness and foster productive members of society, rather than arenas where unhealthy habits can take root.” – July 25, 2024
