AirAsia receives Blue Ribbon certification in recognition of anti-smoking efforts
(Second from left) Yang Berhormat Datuk Seri Dr. Dzulkefly Ahmad presenting The Blue Ribbon Outstanding Achievement Award to Tan Sri Tony Fernandes at RedQ today.
SEPANG, 11 November 2019 - AirAsia has received two main certifications of Blue Ribbon from the Ministry of Health Malaysia, in recognition of the company’s efforts to encourage and empower its Allstars and guests in creating a smoke-free environment and to quit smoking. AirAsia received two recognition i.e The Blue Ribbon Outstanding Achievement Award presented to AirAsia Group CEO Tan Sri Tony Fernandes as an individual leading the smoke-free environment in AirAsia, and Blue Ribbon Beyond Certification awarded to AirAsia’s global headquarters, RedQ as a 100% smoke-free building.
Yang Berhormat Datuk Seri Dr. Dzulkefly Ahmad today presented The Blue Ribbon Outstanding Achievement Award to Tan Sri Tony Fernandes at RedQ, while the Blue Ribbon Certification will be received in an event host by Ministry of Health on the 22 November 2019.
AirAsia anti-smoking efforts include the immediate cessation of onboard, website and duty free cigarette sales, and the implementation of a company-wide smoke and vape-free environment at its 120 offices and stations across Asia Pacific. AirAsia is also providing wellness assistance programs to support Allstars to give up smoking.
AirAsia Group CEO Tan Sri Tony Fernandes said, “Access to affordable healthcare has always been a dream of mine, but in order to achieve it, we must take steps to look after ourselves. That includes sustaining healthy behaviour and curbing habits such as smoking and vaping. I couldn’t be more proud to achieve both The Blue Ribbon Outstanding Achievement Award and Blue Ribbon Beyond status in support of the Ministry of Health initiatives, and look forward to doing everything we can to help our Allstars and guests to live healthier and happier lives.
Minister of Health Malaysia, Yang Berhormat Datuk Seri Dr. Dzulkefly Ahmad said, “We are pleased that AirAsia is taking steps to tackle this important initiative and I congratulate them on being awarded Blue Ribbon Beyond certification. Efforts like this will enable us to educate the public about the health benefits that come with having a smoke-free environment. I encourage other organisations to join AirAsia in this move to creating a healthier environment for Malaysia.”
Partners of the Ministry of Health, including professional body and private organisation under the mQuit programme, were also present at RedQ today to provide AirAsia Allstars with quit smoking clinic services, counselling and referrals, dental checks and informative materials.
The Blue Ribbon Campaign was officially introduced in 2012 by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and recognises and appreciates the contributions of individuals, groups, organizations, government agencies who have contributed to the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. The campaign is implemented by the Ministry of Health Malaysia’s statutory body, MySihat. The Blue Ribbon Outstanding Achievement Award is awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions in initiating and contributing to a smoke-free environment. Blue Ribbon Beyond certification is awarded to organisations which fall under areas gazetted non-smoking, and that meet and exceed the Ministry of Health Malaysia’s campaign requirements.