The Muharam Challenge 2009 - A Challenge To Adult Malay Smokers To Quit Smoking

The annual Muharam Challenge (or Cabaran Muharam), which coincides with the period of Muharam, the Muslim new year, is being organised this year from 28 December 2008 to 25 January 2009. First introduced in 2005, the Muharam Challenge aims to encourage and motivate adult Malay smokers aged 18 years and above to abstain from smoking for a month and quit smoking for good as part of their new year resolutions.

Throughout the month of the Challenge, participants will attend a series of workshops and activities to help equip them with knowledge and skills to better cope with their withdrawal symptoms. These educational workshops will be conducted by professional Quit Advisors, who will share quit tips and coping strategies. Participants will also face mini-challenges (Smokers Challenges) to test their quit-resolve as well as their knowledge and skills to handle challenging situations when cravings hit. Participants will also undergo random smokerlyser tests throughout the period of their participation to ensure that they stay on track.

As support from family and friends is a crucial success factor in helping smokers quit, supporters of Muharam Challenge participants will be invited to attend workshops which will equip them with skills and tips to support their loved ones in quitting. Participants who exit prematurely from the Challenge will continue to receive support and encouragement from Health Promotion Board (HPB) to help better equip them for their next quit attempt.

Those who are successful in staying smoke-free for the duration of the Challenge stand to win attractive prizes such as electrical/household products and shopping vouchers.

Background Information on the Prevalence of Smoking in the Malay Community
According to the National Health Survey 2004, smoking prevalence among the Malay community aged 18 to 69 years was the highest in Singapore, at 18.6% vs. the national average of 12.6%. The prevalence of daily smoking among adult Malay males aged 18 to 69 years was 29.9%, also the highest of all ethnic groups.

Daily smoking was most prevalent in males aged between 40 and 49 years, while in females the highest rate was seen in younger females aged 18 to 29 years (from 5.2% in 1998 to 6.6% in 2004). Among this age group of young females, smoking was most prevalent among young Malay women at 17%, followed by 5.1% among the Chinese, and 2.4% among the Indians.

Annex
Background information on Muharam Challenge 2009

Introduction

Muharam, which marks the start of the new Muslim year, provides the opportunity for Muslims to start anew with fresh resolutions. In support of the National Smoking Control Programme, the annual Muharam Challenge encourages and motivates adult Malay smokers (aged 18 years and above) to quit smoking.

Muharam Challenge 2009 will last from 28 December 2008 to 25 January 2009.

Objectives

The objectives of Muharam Challenge are:

To encourage and motivate Malay smokers to abstain from smoking for a month and to empower them to eventually stop smoking for good;
To equip smokers with the knowledge and skills to cope and manage situations that trigger their urge to smoke;
To equip the smokers families and supporters with the knowledge and skills to provide support and encouragement while undergoing the Challenge;
To promote family bonding;
To enhance participants social support network.
Details

During the Muharam Challenge period, smokers are challenged to quit smoking for one month. During this time, random checks are conducted to ensure they stay smoke-free. In addition, participants will face mini-challenges (Smokers Challenges) to test their quit-resolve as well as their skills/knowledge in working through these situations. These tests include putting participants in a number of tempting scenarios, to gauge their response in overcoming these situations.

During the Challenge period, participants, together with their family-member supporters, will be provided with free workshops conducted by quit advisors, who will teach skills, strategies and tips on how to quit the habit and how to support loved ones who are trying to quit the habit.

The Muharam Challenge 2009 hotline (8311 8194) will be open throughout the month-long period for both participants and supporters to call in should they require more support and motivation.

At the end of the Challenge, winners will be chosen based on their ability to stay smoke-free; and the number of points they accumulate from the various mini challenges and quizzes during the period.

Working with the Community

HPB is working with Malay Muslim organisation, Clubilya, to extend the outreach of Muharam Challenge 2009. Derived from the words "Club" and "Belia" (meaning youth in Malay), Clubilya is a registered non-profit organisation aimed at providing well researched, breakthrough programmes and services to help youths.

Muharam Challenge 2009 Prizes

1st Prize Electrical / Household products worth $ 2,500
2nd Prize Electrical / Household products worth $ 1,500
3rd Prize Electrical / Household products worth $ 1,000
20 Consolation Prizes NTUC FairPrice voucher worth $ 100 each