Dettol and MOH unite to promote hygiene awareness

Dettol, the world-renowned germ protection brand, has joined hands with the Ministry of Health Malaysia to introduce and celebrate Bulan Malaysia Sihat Sejahtera (BMSS) – a month-long initiative aimed at boosting health and hygiene awareness among Malaysians. With the decline in hygiene habits seen during the post-COVID era, infectious diseases have regained momentum. In response, Dettol and the Ministry of Health are working together to empower Malaysians with information on how to protect themselves effectively.

The BMSS campaign, running throughout September 2023, commenced with a vibrant carnival that featured educational activities designed to disseminate easily understandable hygiene information to the public. This event also marked the launch of the BMSS School Roadshow, which seeks to instill better hygiene practices among schoolchildren across Malaysia.

YB Puan Lim Hui Ying, Deputy Minister of Education, and YB Tuan Lukanisman Bin Awang Sauni, Deputy Minister of Health, delivered insightful speeches at the carnival, underlining their respective ministries’ commitment to enhancing hygiene practices and promoting health education nationwide.

Educating the public on hygiene

To further raise awareness, Dettol set up an interactive booth at the event, emphasizing the critical importance of safeguarding communities through the use of antibacterial products. The effectiveness of Dettol’s germ protection products and proper usage were demonstrated during the session. This collaboration supports the Ministry of Health’s Madani Afiat program, which aims to elevate public health standards through a holistic and education-centric approach to well-being.

With a history of promoting good hygiene practices, particularly in schoolchildren through their Purpose Programme, Dettol’s participation in National Wellness Month underscores its dedication to protecting the health and well-being of all Malaysians.

Tiffany Tang, Marketing Director of Health & Hygiene, Malaysia and Singapore at Reckitt, highlighted the importance of hygiene awareness in today’s ever-changing health landscape. She emphasized that handwashing is the first line of defense against the spread of germs, and comprehensive handwashing and sustained hygiene habits are the most effective methods of prevention and protection.

Teaching children about germs

The Germ Box Education Corner educated children about the dangers of germs while teaching them the effective 8-Step Handwashing Routine to maximize protection. Participants also had the opportunity to eliminate germs in a Germ Busters target-shooting game for a chance to win Dettol’s 2-in-1 hand sanitizer. The event was made even more enjoyable with special appearances from the Dettol Mascot.

Tiffany Tang expressed her enthusiasm for this collaborative effort, saying, “At Dettol, our purpose is to protect and nurture in our relentless pursuit of a cleaner, healthier world. We were thrilled to partner with the Ministry of Health in promoting hygiene awareness during National Wellness Month. Through this partnership, we aspire to encourage the uptake of more comprehensive hygiene habits by promoting hygiene education on a national level. Driving behavioral change requires collaboration from all levels of society, underpinning our venture during Bulan Malaysia Sihat Sejahtera as the first step towards change for the better.”

This collaborative initiative reflects the shared commitment of Dettol and the Ministry of Health to create a healthier Malaysia, envisioning a nation where hygiene is not just a precaution but a way of life. The BMSS Carnival proved to be a dynamic and informative experience for all participants and demonstrated Dettol’s active engagement with communities for the betterment of public health.