Jakarta (Antara Bali) - Millions of people have been suffering from cigarette smoke as passive smokers, Health Minister Nafsiah Mboi said here on Friday.
"At least 6.2 million of women are now affected by cigarette smoke and 11.4 millions of toddlers have lungs problem. Therefore, millions have suffered from cigarette-related disease," the health minister said at a function for Indonesia Women Council (IWC) to present awards to a number of nurses here.
She said people may smoke and pay the treatment for the disease they may suffer later, but they have to respect the non-smokers.
The minister also asked all parties, especially non-smoking women, to bravely voice their rights to be free from smoking disturbance.
Meanwhile, National Commission for Child Protection Chairman Arist Merdeka Sirait said many children have fallen victims of smoking activities. According to him, most children have turned from passive smokers to become active smokers, and the number has up to 38 percent since the past five years. (IGT)
