In an effort to enhance public awareness, we develop Dikir Farmasi as an innovative approach to deliver health information. Dikir Farmasi combines the elements of dikir barat (a type of traditional folk song rhythm) and traditional sketches which are popular in the state of Kelantan, Malaysia. These sketches and dikir barat rhythmic songs, with lyrics touch on issues such as drug abuse and regulation are presented in an entertaining and humorous way. Health promotion messages are disseminated using Dikir Farmasi in the form of compact disks, video compact disks, stage performance, exhibition, social media, printed media (signboard, brochure and flyer).

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Dikir Farmasi (DF) is a new effort to expand and intensify the dissemination of information about the regulation of the legitimate use of drugs and cosmetics. This study was aimed to explore the opinions of Pharmacy Enforcement Division staff and the general public regarding the quality and impact of DF program as a health promotion tool in Malaysia. A qualitative study using semistructured interviews and focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted at the Pharmacy Enforcement Department and three health clinics located at the city of Kota Bharu, Malaysia. The interviews were audio recorded, translated and transcribed. Thematic analysis was performed to identify the themes and sub-themes of the transcripts. Ethical approval was obtained from Ministry of Health Malaysia. All respondents provided a written consent for participation. Nine pharmacy officers and 23 general public participated in this study. Five main themes emerged from the information gathered and analyzed: 1) language; 2) design; 3) content and delivery 4) costs and benefits and 5) prospect of DF. Certain weaknesses of DF have been raised and the health authorities could utilize this information for an improvement. Significant effort must be made to improve the publicity and dissemination of DF to ensure that it reaches the target population. Certain weaknesses of DF have been raised and the health authorities could utilize this information for an improvement. Significant effort must be made to improve the publicity and dissemination of DF to ensure that it reaches the target population.