Private troubles to public issue: empowering communities to reduce alcohol-related harm in Sabah, Malaysia

Abstract

Alcohol is the number three contributor to the burden of disease worldwide so must remain a priority health promotion issue internationally. Malaysia is a Muslim country and alcohol-related harm was not seen as a priority until recently, because it only affects a minority of the population. Sabah has more than 30 different ethnic groups, and alcohol has a traditional role in the cultural practices of many of these groups. In 2009, the Intervention Group for Alcohol Misuse (IGAM) was formed, under the umbrella of Mercy Malaysia by a group of healthcare workers, academics, members of the Clergy and people who were previously alcohol-dependent concerned about the harmful effects of excessive alcohol consumption. IGAM in collaboration with other bodies have organized public seminars, visited villages and schools, encouraged the formation of a support group and trained healthcare professionals in health promotion intervention. The focus later changed to empowering communities to find solutions to alcohol-related harm in their community in a way which is sensitive to their culture. A standard tool-kit was developed using WHO materials as a guide. Village committees were formed and adapted the toolkit according to their needs. This strategy has been shown to be effective, in that 90% of the 20 committees formed are actively and successfully involved in health promotion to reduce alcohol-related harm in their communities.

Extent of alcohol prohibition in civil policy in Muslim majority countries: the impact of globalization

“…For on‐premises consumption, in addition to the presence of women in bars and restaurants, companies also sponsor seasonal activities with highly sexual promotions . Advertising for alcohol on television media and commercials is forbidden in Malaysia except in Sabah and Sarawak districts, which rank second (19.7%) and third (18.4%) after Kuala Lumpur (20.3%) in the prevalence of alcohol consumption, respectively . However, despite prohibition on advertising, many companies use print media and cinemas to promote their products through product placement and event sponsorship .…”

The Effect of Drinking Style on Alcohol-related Harm and Readiness to Change among the Indigenous Communities of Sabah

“…Source: [8] additional burdens that go beyond health [15,2]. Even though alcohol abuse can cause significant long-term and short-term psychological problems for the abuser and their family and community, it can have a very temporary positive impact on our moods and emotions.…”

“…Alcohol and the consumption of alcohol in Sabah peaks during the Kaamatan month (yearly in May) among Kadazandusun communities [7]. It has been practiced by the indigenous communities of Sabah to refresh energy after tiredness, release stress, gotong-royong, enhancing joyfulness of ceremony, as well as welcoming people [8]. Even more, the price of alcohol is controlled by the government of Sabah during the festive season, so traders cannot take advantage and profit by raising prices [9].…”

“…The standard drink can be defined as content in the drink that can measure how much alcohol is being consumed (WHO, 2014). There are four categories of drinks and per cent of alcohol in the standard drink [8] that can be seen in Fig. 1.…”

Validation of the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) – Dusun Version in Alcohol Users in Sabahan Borneo

“…In Sabah state, alcohol misuse is especially prevalent in the majority Kadazandusun ethnic community [7]. It has been directly or indirectly implicated in domestic violence, absenteeism from employment, and is linked to physical injuries and motor vehicle accidents [10]. However, due to the perennial conflict between tradition and intoxication, people may be wary of revealing their alcohol use issues to third parties.…”