CAP’s Asbestos Awareness Raising Programme in Sungai Siput, Perak

Lai Cheng May 14, 2026 0 Comments
Mr Manivelu sharing his experience of working in a factory producing asbestos-containing products in the past.

On 9 May 2026, the Consumers’ Association of Penang (CAP) organised an awareness raising programme on asbestos at SJKT Gandhi Kalasalai, Sungai Siput, Perak. A total of 39 participants attended the programme, consisting of 15 males and 24 females. Five youths also joined the programme, which added more value and made the awareness session more impactful.

The main objective of the programme was to provide basic knowledge on asbestos and create awareness among the public regarding the dangers of asbestos exposure.

Ms Saraswathi Devi Odian briefing participants on the risks of asbestos.

The programme began with the registration of participants, followed by a small herb knowledge-sharing interactive session, while waiting for other participants to arrive. Then, the welcoming speech was delivered by Mr Theeban Gunasekaran, CAP’s education officer. In his speech, he expressed his appreciation to the participants for taking the initiative to attend the programme and gain knowledge about asbestos-related issues.

This was followed by an opening speech by Ms Mageswari Sangaralingam, CAP’s chief executive, who gave a brief introduction to asbestos and highlighted the importance of public awareness on the issue.

The programme continued with an important sharing session by CAP’s senior activist, Mr Manivelu, who spoke about his personal work experience at a factory that produced asbestos materials. He shared that workers at the factory were not informed about the health risks associated with asbestos exposure. He also revealed that most of his former colleagues had passed away, which has now left him deeply concerned about his own health condition as he was also exposed to asbestos at his former workplace. However, he was not sure whether his former colleagues died due to asbestos-related diseases.

One of the participants sharing his thoughts on the asbestos awareness programme.

Mr Manivelu further explained that the factory provided its own laundry facilities where workers’ uniforms were washed internally and were not allowed to be taken home. At that time, he did not understand the reason behind the rule, but he now realises that it was implemented to prevent asbestos fibres from spreading outside the factory, as the fibres are highly dangerous when inhaled or exposed to individuals.

Following the sharing session, CAP distributed books titled, “Asbestos Endangers Lives: Ban Chrysotile Now” to the participants. The books were available in four languages (Tamil, English, Malay and Chinese) to ensure better understanding among the public.

A participant learning about asbestos from CAP’s streamers and posters.

The talk was then continued by Ms Saraswathi Devi Odian, CAP’s education officer. She explained in detail what asbestos is and why it had been widely used in the past, allowing the audience to gain a clearer understanding of the topic. As most participants were housewives and retired men, she focused particularly on non-workplace asbestos exposure. She explained that people could still be exposed to asbestos during home renovations, through washing workers’ clothing and from old building materials such as roofs, ceilings and other household structures.

Ms Saraswathi also highlighted that certain talc-based products may contain asbestos. This information shocked many participants, especially women who regularly use talcum powder, eyeshadows and similar cosmetic products that may potentially contain asbestos and contribute to serious health risks. She further educated the participants on ways to avoid asbestos hazards and shared practical steps the public could take to protect themselves and their families from exposure.

Overall, the ‘Consumer Awareness Raising Programme on Asbestos’ created a positive impact among the participants as they gained better understanding and awareness on the dangers of asbestos exposure. This awareness programme is important not only for the participants who attended, but also for the wider public, as everyone deserves to be informed about the dangers of asbestos.

CAP remains committed to educating communities on this issue and if anyone is interested in an awareness raising programme regarding asbestos, please feel free to contact Consumers’ Association of Penang at 04-8299511 or send us an email at info@consumer.org.my.