Malaysia Society for
Harm Reduction

About Us

The Malaysia Society for Harm Reduction (MSHR) was established in 2019 to advocate and champion the concept of Harm Reduction. We embrace Harm Reduction as a practical and effective strategy to minimise the adverse consequences of various human behaviours, be they legal or illegal. We believe in spreading positivity for greater well-being without judgement, coercion, discrimination, or prejudice. Our members are a passionate group, comprising mostly of highly respected healthcare professionals, academia, and research experts.

OUR MISSION

To address and provide scientifically validated perspectives on a wide range of public health and social issues beyond the conventional focus on drug use, and extend the application of harm reduction to noncommunicable diseases, substance addiction and tobacco harm reduction, mental health, nutrition, road safety, ergonomics, and occupational safety and health.

OUR OBJECTIVES

Advocacy and Awareness

Objective

Raise awareness and advocate for the adoption of Harm Reduction principles in Malaysia.

Encompassing Elements

Provide the community with accurate scientific information, foster national scientific research, and facilitate discussions on Harm Reduction locally and internationally.

Scientific Advancement

Objective

Drive scientific research and technological advancements to address public health challenges.

Encompassing Elements

Examine the adaptability of international Harm Reduction policies, contribute professional opinions to policy-making bodies, and actively engage in scientific research collaborations.

Community Well-being

Objective

Contribute to the improvement of community well-being through diverse expertise.

Encompassing Elements

Offer services such as ergonomic risk assessments, awareness programs, and engage in fields including nutrition, noncommunicable diseases, occupational safety, and child seat safety.

Platform for Positive Change

Objective

Establish MSHR as a leading platform for national Harm Reduction initiatives.

Encompassing Elements

Serve as a hub for national Harm Reduction discussions, support the implementation of effective policies, and promote positive change in societal attitudes toward health and well-being.

Our Work

Harm Reduction is generally defined as the effective approach strategy taken to minimise the adverse consequences associated with certain behaviours. Globally, harm reduction has been successfully implemented to mainly manage issues related to drug use.

The Malaysia Society for Harm Reduction (MSHR) broadens this context to address and provide scientifically validated views on local public health and social issues including prevention of noncommunicable diseases, addiction to substances including tobacco, mental health, nutrition, road safety, ergonomics and occupational safety and health.

Since its inception in late 2019, MSHR has organised frequent health educational events for governmental agencies, university students, schools, corporate industries and the general public. We have vast experience and expertise in conducting research projects and are currently working on two locally commissioned studies. MSHR was recently invited by the Parliamentary Scientific Select Committee to contribute professional opinion regarding implementation of Generational End Game Policy in the tabling of The Tobacco Control Bill.

MSHR is also a member of  the Malaysian Federation for Occupational Safety and Health (MyFOSH),  which serves as a centralised platform for OSH matters at national and international levels for occupational safety and health non- governmental organisations in Malaysia.

Four Main Pillars of MSHR

Our mission is to address and provide scientifically validated perspectives on a wide range of public health and social issues beyond the conventional focus on drug use, and extend the application of harm reduction to noncommunicable diseases, substance addiction and tobacco harm reduction, mental health, nutrition, road safety, ergonomics, and occupational safety and health.

Substance Addiction and Tobacco Harm Reduction (THR)

Advocating a shift towards treating addiction as a medical condition rather than resorting to punitive actions. We contribute valuable insights to legislative decision-making, promoting a compassionate and evidence-based approach to addiction issues.

Nutrition, Lifestyle, and Non-communicable diseases (NCD) Prevention

Actively engage in public outreach programs, free webinars, and consultations to educate and inspire healthier living to tackle the systemic issue of obesity and diabetes as well as to combat nutritional misconceptions and advocating for sustainable lifestyle choices in disease prevention.

Road Safety Awareness and Road Crash Prevention

Actively engage in public outreach programs and in research to determine cause-and-effect of road hazards. We collaborate with international bodies on legislative changes to enhance road safety, advisory and recommendation for stricter enforcement, pinpointing specific areas where enforcement agencies should focus their attention to effectively reduce road hazards.

Ergonomics & Occupational Safety and Health

Through ergonomic risk assessments, awareness training, and research endeavours, we aim to create safer workplaces. Our experts, including contributors to the Malaysian Ergonomics Guidelines and medical professionals, deliver high-quality assessments,  reports and recommendations for improvement of workplace and workers well being. 

OUR TEAM

Professor Dr. Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh

Chairman

Professor Dr. Asrul Akmal Shafie 

Deputy Chairman

Dr. S. Gunenthira Rao Subbarao

Secretary

Associate Professor Dr. Geeta Appannah 

Deputy Secretary

Associate Professor Dr. Ng Yee Guan

Treasurer

Associate Professor Dr. Sivakumar Thurairajasingam

Committee Member

Associate Professor Dr. Imran Ahmad

Committee Member

Associate Professor Dr. Rusdi Abdul Rashid

Committee Member

Professor Dr. Shamsul Bahri Hj Md Tamrin 

Advisor

Professor Dr. Mohamad Hussain Habil 

Advisor

Dr. Hajar Mariah Hashim

Auditor

Dr. Shridev Nair Thamotheran 

Project Manager

Dr. Darshan Singh

Panel Expert

Professor Kulanthayan KC Mani

Panel Expert 

Malaysia Society for Harm Reduction

Pioneering Positive Change without Judgement

Contact Us

Drop us a message at [email protected] or explore our social media pages for more information:
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Malaysia Society for Harm Reduction © 2024

Professor Dr. Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh

Chairman

Professor Dr. Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh is a physician whose work is at the confluence of medicine, economics and public health. As Professor of Public Health (Health Management and Health Economics) at University Kebangsaan Malaysia, she is well-versed with the burden of non communicable diseases on Malaysia’s health system and recognised as a prominent figure in public health, specialising in policy, economics, and medicine. As the Chairman of MSHR, she brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the table, particularly in advocating for tobacco harm reduction and abstinence from nicotine addiction.

Professor Dr. Sharifa earned her postdoctoral degree in Health Economics from the United Nations University-International Institute for Global Health (UNU-IIGH). She has served in significant roles including as Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Medicine for International Relations, President of Malaysia’s Society of Harm Reduction (MSHR), and as a consultant to governmental bodies on various health-related matters, including occupational diseases and hospital efficiency. She has extensive experience as a casemix consultant and coding specialist, having conducted research and capacity building initiatives aimed at improving accessibility, efficiency, and quality of care in health systems, particularly in developing countries.

She hopes to see MSHR go from strength to strength as an authority on public health issues and an independent force dedicated to tackling public health challenges and promoting healthier lifestyles in Malaysia.

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Professor Dr. Asrul Akmal Shafie

Deputy Chairman

Professor Dr. Asrul Akmal Shafie is an International Fellow for International Society of Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research and a widely published researcher. A pharmacist and health economist teaching at Universiti Sains Malaysia, he is an accomplished speaker regionally and internationally who has contributed to research findings and healthcare policy around Southeast Asia.

With a PhD in pharmacoeconomics from Cardiff University, UK, and a robust portfolio of over 400 peer-reviewed articles and books, Professor Dr. Asrul has been instrumental in shaping healthcare policies in Southeast Asia. He is an International Fellow for International Society of Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research and is committed to improving healthcare systems driven by evidence-based decision making.

Professor Dr. Asrul brings extensive experience to MSHR in harm reduction for substance addiction, particularly in tobacco and electronic cigarettes.

He is an accomplished speaker regionally and internationally, and was previously the Director of Institutional Planning & Strategic Centre at Universiti Sains Malaysia. For Professor Dr. Asrul, MSHR has the critical role of being the central voice for raising the awareness of and promoting the adoption of harm reduction strategies in Malaysia.

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Dr. S. Gunenthira Rao Subbarao

Secretary

A passionate public health advocate and specialist, Dr. S. Gunenthira Rao Subbarao’s entire career has been dedicated to advancing health equity and promoting evidence-based policies in Malaysia. Trained in both communicable and non-communicable diseases – mainly on policy and implementation work – his specific interest is in Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) and marginalised groups

A Doctorate in Public Health (DrPH) and a Fellow of the Atlantic Fellows for Health Equity in Southeast Asia (AFHESEA), Dr. Gunenthira’s experience encompasses various roles within the healthcare sector, from pivotal positions at district and state levels to his current role as Senior Principal Assistant Director in the Medical Development Division of the Ministry of Health (MOH). Notably, his doctoral research delved into the factors contributing to depression among inmates, showcasing his dedication to understanding and addressing health disparities.

A multifaceted individual and a twin, Dr. Gunenthira has a track record of successful collaborations with governmental agencies and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and aspires to leverage his expertise within MSHR to shape impactful policies that prioritises health equity for all segments of society in Malaysia.

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Associate Professor Dr. Geeta Appannah

Deputy Secretary

Associate Professor Dr. Geeta Appannah is a prominent figure in the field of community nutrition, renowned for her expertise in public health nutrition and epidemiology. She has dedicated her career to understanding dietary determinants of poor health, particularly focusing on obesity and other cardiometabolic risk factors. She earned a PhD in Biological Sciences (Human Nutrition) from the MRC Human Nutrition Research at the University of Cambridge and is currently the President of the Malaysian Association for the Study of Obesity (MASO).

Her extensive research experience includes a fellowship at the National University of Singapore (NUS), where she collaborated on studies examining dietary patterns and the social determinants of health. She is a member of esteemed organisations such as the Malaysian Dietetics Association (MDA) and the Nutrition Society of Malaysia (NSM), where she is instrumental in advancing research and policy initiatives aimed at addressing nutrition-related non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Malaysia.

In her role as Deputy Secretary of MSHR, Dr. Geeta brings her wealth of expertise in nutrition and NCD prevention to the forefront. Her aspiration for MSHR is to drive impactful research and interventions that lead to tangible improvements in public health outcomes and to establish MSHR as a key player in promoting nutrition and public health initiatives in reducing obesity and related NCDs among communities in Malaysia.

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Associate Professor Dr. Ng Yee Guan

Treasurer

Ng Yee Guan is an Associate Professor at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), teaching Industrial Hygiene as well as Human Factors and Ergonomics. His research and consultative work focuses on Occupational Safety and Health, covering areas such as human factors and ergonomics, indoor air quality and lighting assessment, heat, noise, vibration and chemical exposure monitoring.

He has led Human Factors and Ergonomics Malaysia (HFEM) as the President from 2019 to 2023 and contributed to several other national and international initiatives and associations. During his tenure as the President, he also served as the Chair of Malaysia Federation of Occupational Safety and Health (MyFOSH) leading 17 OSH-related association in Malaysia.

He is committed to advancing research and development in exposure assessment and has played a key role in revising national OSH guidelines and fostering collaborations in ergonomics and industrial hygiene. As a result of his enthusiasm, he has been appointed to serve as the Director of Occupational Safety and Health Management Office in UPM from April 2024 to 2027.

His dedication to research and academic excellence, coupled with his passion for occupational safety, underscores his vision for MSHR to develop into a reference center for mitigating workplace risks.

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Associate Professor Dr. Sivakumar Thurairajasingam

Committee Member

Associate Professor Dr. Sivakumar Thurairajasingam has served as the Head of the Substance Abuse Unit at Hospital Permai and played integral roles in establishing and managing harm reduction establishments, addiction treatment clinics and National Drug Substitution Therapy (NDST) programmes across Johor Bahru. His expertise extends to addiction psychiatry, drug and alcohol treatment, and mood disorders.

He has over a decade of experience in various medical institutions and leadership roles and holds a Master in Medicine in Psychiatry from Universiti Sains Malaysia.

Dr. Sivakumar is deeply passionate about harm reduction among substance users afflicted with HIV/AIDS. He is the President of Intan Life Zone, an NGO dedicated to this cause. He has also led initiatives like setting up methadone clinics and needle syringe exchange programmes that have effected positive impact on the landscape of addiction treatment in Malaysia.

As a Committee Member of MSHR, Dr. Sivakumar aims to further promote understanding and acceptance of harm reduction practices, with aspirations to garner international recognition for MSHR’s contributions to the field. Beyond his clinical endeavours and advocacy work, Dr. Sivakumar is a huge vinyl collector and a graphic novel enthusiast.

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Associate Professor Dr. Imran Ahmad

Committee Member

Associate Professor Dr. Imran Ahmad is a medical educator with a profound commitment to improving health outcomes through his expertise in family medicine and addiction medicine. He is serving as the Head of Department and Medical Lecturer at the Department of Family Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, teaching both undergraduate medical students and Master of Medicine candidates.

Dr. Imran brings years of experience in dealing with families and individuals suffering from addiction problems and facilitating positive change in the health behaviour of affected individuals. As an advocate for justice, his passion lies in ensuring equitable access to healthcare for all. His key accomplishments have revolved around successful efforts in guiding individuals towards better health, particularly in the realm of addiction medicine.

As a Committee Member of MSHR, his focus is on empowering individuals with knowledge to foster a greater comprehension of addiction issues, particularly related to nicotine within the broader community. Dr. Imran aspires for MSHR to chart continuous growth and impact, with the ultimate goal of thriving as a leading institution in sustainable health research and knowledge dissemination in the field of addiction medicine.

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Associate Professor Dr. Rusdi Abdul Rashid

Committee Member

Associate Professor Dr. Rusdi Abdul Rashid, a distinguished psychiatrist and researcher, brings years of extensive expertise in researching and treating addiction. Dr. Rusdi has been involved with most of the pilot addiction treatment programmes in Malaysia. Notably, he spearheaded the establishment of an innovative mosque-based methadone maintenance treatment under SEDAR, the Spiritual Enhanced Drug Addiction Rehabilitation programme which aims to decriminalise substance use and provide medical treatment for affected individuals.

Dr. Rusdi has a deep interest in academia, and earned a Master’s in Psychological Medicine from the University of Malaya. He is currently the Director of the University Malaya Center for Addiction Sciences Study (UMCAS). His commitment to integrating medical and psychosocial treatments, as seen in the SEDAR programme, underscores his holistic approach to addressing substance abuse issues.

Dr. Rusdi advocates for progressive policies and the fostering of a compassionate, evidence-based approach to substance use management. He hopes his work contributes to reducing the stigma around substance abuse and encourages treatment-seeking behaviour among drug users. He sees a future where MSHR serves as a catalyst for societal change in substance abuse management.

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Professor Dr. Shamsul Bahri Hj Md Tamrin

Advisor

Professor Dr. Shamsul Bahri Hj Md Tamrin is a distinguished figure and a passionate advocate in the realm of Occupational Health, Industrial Hygiene, and Ergonomics. Dedicated to promoting safety and health in the workplace, he is currently the Director of the Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) Center of Industrial Relations & Networks (CirNET).

With a robust background in academia and research, Dr. Shamsul Bahri has spearheaded various research projects, and authored a prolific body of work, including policy reports and peer-reviewed publications. Building on his years of research, he contributed technical expertise to the creation of the 2017 guideline, Ergonomics Risk Assessments at the Workplace, among others. His expertise in ergonomics has been instrumental in developing interventions to mitigate ergonomic injuries, particularly among commercial vehicle drivers and within the agriculture sector.

As an advisor to MSHR, Dr. Shamsul Bahri brings a wealth of experience and a singular focus on improving Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD) and reducing ergonomic risks in occupational settings. His key accomplishment of establishing ergonomic risk assessment guidelines underscores his commitment to enhancing workplace safety and health standards. His vision for MSHR revolves around fostering impactful collaborations and advocating for evidence-based approaches to address occupational health challenges, with the overarching goal of enhancing the well-being of workers across Malaysia.

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Professor Dr. Mohamad Hussain Habil

Advisor

Professor Dr. Mohamad Hussain Habil is one of Malaysia’s leading experts in psychiatry, particularly in addiction medicine. He serves as an advisor to MSHR, bringing extensive expertise in psychiatry and addiction medicine to the forefront of the organisation’s initiatives. With a postgraduate diploma in Addiction Psychiatry, he has played pivotal roles in academia and research. He is currently the Clinical Head of School and Professor of Psychiatry at the Malaysian Allied Health Sciences Academy (MAHSA) University.

He has held significant positions such as Head of the Psychological Medicine Department at the University of Malaya and Director of the University of Malaya Centre of Addiction Sciences (UMCAS) previously. Dr. Mohamad has also served as an advisor to various organisations including the Depression Advisory Board for the Asia Pacific Region and the Malaysian Psychiatric Association. His expertise in addiction psychiatry has led to key accomplishments, such as the innovative psychosocial plus mosque project, established since 2000. He is dedicated to holistic approaches in addressing mental health challenges by integrating mental health services into religious spaces.

As an advisor to MSHR, he advocates for the decriminalisation of addiction, and works to shift the societal approach towards addiction from punitive measures to a more compassionate and effective approach that prioritises rehabilitation and support.

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Dr. Hajar Mariah Hashim

Auditor

Dr. Hajar Mariah Binti Hashim is an Ergonomics Executive with a strong background in occupational safety and health management. She is deeply involved in various causes, including environmental conservation, education equity, mental health awareness, and social justice, reflecting her passion to create a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable future for all.

Dr. Hajar’s passion for environmental sustainability drives her commitment to advocating for eco-friendly practices and integrating sustainability principles into her work. She possesses a PhD in Safety, Health and Emergency Management, and expertise in conducting ergonomic assessments and implementing solutions to improve workplace safety and efficiency.

She believes in continuous learning and professional development and has completed a multitude of training programmes and certifications that focus on occupational safety, health, and ergonomics.

Serving as the auditor for MSHR, Dr. Hajar has always been fascinated by the natural world. Determined to make a difference and drive positive change, she can often be found volunteering at local clean-up efforts, participating in conservation projects, or researching solutions to environmental challenges.

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Dr. Shridev Nair Thamotheran

Project Manager

Dr. Shridev Nair Thamotheran serves as Project Manager for MSHR, bringing with him a diverse administrative skills and a passion for public health, ergonomics, and community development. With a Master’s in Occupational Safety and Health from UPM, wide experience as a Senior Ergonomics Consultant, and a love for football and astronomy, he has led community development projects such as the Seaweed Cultivation and Health Awareness programme in Sabah, focusing on the underprivileged and stateless communities.

He is dedicated to health education and ergonomics, evident through his work involving risk assessments and providing recommendations for workplace improvement across various industries, as well as organising health awareness programmes and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) initiatives.

Dr. Shridev aims to heighten public awareness on pressing health issues, provide scientifically sound ergonomics solutions for industries, and improve communal well-being through community development projects. He hopes MSHR will become the go-to organisation for Malaysia’s policy makers and public on harm reduction and public health related issues, contributing to informed policy-making and improved public health outcomes.

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Dr. Darshan Singh

Panel Expert

Dr. Darshan Singh Mahinder Singh specialises in drug research and policy. He has spent over two decades combating illicit drug use and advancing harm reduction strategies.

With a PhD from Universiti Sains Malaysia, Dr. Darshan serves as a Senior Lecturer and Research Fellow at the Centre for Drug Research (CDR) at USM. His expertise is widely recognised, reflected in his extensive publication record boasting nearly 100 research articles and numerous accolades. Renowned for his visionary approach and outspoken advocacy, Dr. Darshan is committed to driving actionable change in the field.

His expertise encompasses a broad spectrum, ranging from the examination of ketum abuse – a native plant containing psychoactive ingredients – to understanding treatment barriers among opiate and methadone users, as well as the unique challenges faced by marginalised groups such as females and adolescents who use drugs. Additionally, Dr. Darshan is deeply involved in drug policy formulation and the monitoring of New Psychoactive Substances (NPS).

In his role as a panel expert at the MSHR, Dr. Darshan aims to champion initiatives aimed at promoting harm reduction strategies and amplifying the voices of marginalised communities affected by drug abuse. His long-term vision for MSHR involves positioning it as a leader in harm reduction campaigns across Asia. He is dedicated to sharing groundbreaking findings related to illicit drug abuse and disseminating timely information to inform policymakers. He advocates for evidence-based approaches that prioritise harm reduction and rehabilitation over punitive measures like the death penalty and corporal punishment. Ultimately, his efforts are directed towards enhancing the well-being of people who use drugs and society as a whole through MSHR.

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