VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Jakarta (VOI News) - Several studies show smoking is one of the factors that can make smokers more at higher risk of infection and worsening complications of COVID-19. Chairman of the National Commission of Tobacco Control, dr. Hasbullah Thabrany, when contacted by Voice of Indonesia on Thursday (04/06) in Jakarta, warned of the dangers of smoking and a greater risk for smokers to be infected with the corona virus.

"More than 7 thousand chemicals that cause damage to the body and facilitate the growth of cancer is a danger that can not be avoided anymore. Therefore, we urge the public not to damage themselves, not to damage the family, not to slowly kill friends and family. It's time to stop, especially when there is a corona virus pandemic. It's time to stop smoking, it's time to stop poisoning your own family, it's time to stop poisoning our environment, workmates, friends and so on," said Hasbullah Thabrany..

Furthermore, Dr. Hasbullah Thabrany asked the community through the role of family to free their homes from cigarette smoke. He added the government needs to give a clearer message to the public that one of the precautions that must be done is to stop or at least reduce smoking, and provide guidance and assistance programs for people who want to stop smoking.

Citing WHO data released in 2020, he added, there was a tendency of the increase of the percentage of smokers in the population aged 15 years and over in Indonesia, not counting if smokers are using e-cigarettes (vape). At least the number of smokers has increased from 33% in 2000 to 39% in 2015. It is estimated that the number of smokers among young people continues to increase each year until now. (VOI / TGH)