How Malaysia Can Finally Win The War On Smoking
November 10, 2025 by businesstoday.com.my
How Malaysia Can Finally Win The War On Smoking
Despite aspirations to be smoke-free, Malaysia struggles with high smoking rates and lacks clear harm reduction strategies, unlike successful models like Sweden and the UK. Embracing proven harm reduction tools, such as vaping, could help Malaysia combat smoking-related deaths and health costs. By focusing on science-based and compassionate approaches, policymakers can lead the country towards a healthier, smoke-free future. It's crucial to shift the narrative around alternatives like vaping, enforce regulations, educate the public, and support smokers in quitting. Following successful international examples, Malaysia can make progress in reducing smoking prevalence and improving public health outcomes.
17.90% of the adult population are current smokers. There are approximately 4.9 million current smokers in Malaysia 33.60% of men are current smokers but only 0.50% of women.
SOURCE: GSTHR
