CAPHRA warns Southeast Asia not to repeat Australia's nicotine policy failure
May 25, 2026 by prlog.org
CAPHRA warns Southeast Asia not to repeat Australia's nicotine policy failure
Warnings from tobacco harm reduction advocates in the Asia-Pacific region are intensifying as several Southeast Asian countries consider stricter nicotine regulation modelled on Australia’s approach. Critics argue that highly restrictive policies on vaping and other reduced-risk nicotine products have contributed to expanding illicit markets while doing little to eliminate demand for nicotine among adult consumers. Researchers and public health commentators continue to debate whether prohibition-focused regulation may unintentionally reinforce cigarette smoking by limiting access to lower-risk alternatives. The discussion reflects broader international concerns about how governments can balance youth protection, enforcement, consumer behaviour, and evidence-based harm reduction strategies in nicotine policy.
30.40% of the adult population are current smokers. There are approximately 64.4 million current smokers in Indonesia 59.70% of men are current smokers but only 1.20% of women.
SOURCE: GSTHR
