A new bill on Malaysian Health Promotion Board 2006 has been tabled for first reading today.

The purpose is to incorporate the Malaysian Heaith Promotion Board and to establish the Malaysian Health Promotion Fund.

Clause 14 sets out the objectives of the Board which are mainly related to building the capacity and funding health-related, sport, recreational and cultural organizations to promote health. The objectives also include developing and supporting multi-strategy programmes that promote healthy lifestyles and environments and preventing the use of tobacco products.

The Fund is to be disbursed annually to different sectors for health promotion programmes and activities; not less than 50 percent to health organisations, not more than 30 percent to sporting and recreational organizations and not more than 10 percent to cultural organizations.

To keep the Fund running, annual allocation will be given by the Government and also grants, donations, gifts, contributions, bequests or any other sums received by the Board from any sources EXCEPT from those involved or related to tobacco, tobacco products or intoxicating liquor manufacturers, wholesalers, retaiers or their agents.

Hopefully Malaysians will be more healthy, a prerequisite for a better standard of living.