Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major respiratory illness in Malaysia that is mainly preventable and treatable but unfortunately remains largely undiagnosed. Primary care providers play a vital role in screening the population at risk, making an early diagnosis and initiating prompt and appropriate therapy including smoking cessation to improve symptoms and quality of life of the COPD patient. Measures to prevent and treat exacerbations are also important to prevent further rapid decline in lung function and to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with the disease.