Tobacco harm Reduction policies would save 416,000 Malaysian lives, says new report

27 August, Stockholm – ADOPTION of tobacco harm reduction (THR) measures, including greater access to nicotine alternatives such as e-cigarettes, would help to save 416,000 lives in Malaysia, according to major new research.

Contrary to global trends, the World Health Organization (WHO) predicts an increase in smoking rates over the next few years in Malaysia, where lawmakers have displayed antipathy towards the life-saving potential of THR products and seek to regulate them to the same degree as deadly combustible cigarettes.

The WHO projects that smoking prevalence in Malaysia will increase, from 29.7% in 2020 to 30% in 2025, and 18,000 lives will be lost annually by 2060.

The new study, titled Lives Saved Report: Tobacco harm reduction and better treatment could save nearly 880,000 lives up to 2060 in Malaysia and Uzbekistan details how that toll could be massively reduced by incorporating THR into public health policymaking.

Dr. Derek Yach, one of the authors of the report, said: “As smoking rates stagnate, it’s crucial for Malaysian policymakers to recognise that traditional tobacco control measures are falling short. Our report demonstrates that sensible harm reduction measures can be a highly effective strategy for promoting smoking cessation and decreasing the incidence of smoking related diseases.”

Dr Delon Human, one of the co-authors of the report, said: “It is clear that a comprehensive approach to tobacco harm reduction is needed in order to stem the growing smoking rates in Malaysia. This includes making less harmful alternative products, such as e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches, more accessible, acceptable and affordable to smokers wishing to switch.”

Countries such as Sweden and Japan provide compelling evidence of what sensible and pragmatic tobacco harm reduction measures can achieve. Sweden in particular is set to record a 5% smoking rate later this year, the point at which the country can officially be considered smoke free. A crucial element to both countries’ success is the availability of less harmful alternative products.

Dr Human adds: “Our message to the Malaysian government is clear. Rather than abandoning tobacco control efforts, they should be bolstered with proven harm reduction strategies. By allowing smokers to switch to alternative products, policymakers now have a golden opportunity to change the trajectory and save the lives of over 416,000 Malaysians.”

ENDS