KUALA LUMPUR: 80 per cent of Malaysians believe that the country's adoption of tobacco harm reduction (THR) strategies will help smokers quit traditional tobacco cigarettes by allowing them to switch to less harmful alternatives.
More than half of those polled, or 58 per cent, are aware of the numerous studies that have shown THR products to be less harmful than traditional cigarettes.
Of all the THR products available, the majority of respondents, or 51 per cent, believe that vaping is the most practical way to quit smoking and that it is the safest way to quit smoking.
These findings were derived from a survey entitled Clearing the Smoke: An Insight on Tobacco Harm Reduction, an opinion poll commissioned by Datametrics Research & Information Centre (DARE, a Malaysian think-tank agency.
It was conducted by Green Zebras Sdn Bhd (GZSB), a leading market research firm in Malaysia.
GZSB managing director and co-founder Steve Murphy said the opinion poll shows that most Malaysians are well aware and understand the concept of THR strategies, although it is relatively new in the country.
"An overwhelming majority, or 95 per cent, agreed that the government should be involved in the implementation of THR policies in Malaysia.
"However, half or 50 per cent of the respondents do not think that the government is actively developing THR strategies.
"If less harmful alternatives to traditional cigarettes are proven to be effective in reducing smoking levels in the country, then 98 per cent of those surveyed would be supportive of the government adopting the THR approach," he said in a statement today.
An in-depth analysis of THR practise worldwide undertaken by DARE showed that harm-reduced products such as vape are not only less toxic but also successful in reducing smoking prevalence.
In the United Kingdom (UK), where THR strategies focusing on vape products to help reduce smoking prevalence have been implemented, two million smokers have quit traditional cigarettes between 2011 and 2019.
Public Health England (PHE), UK's top public health organisation, has found vaping products to be the most popular aid used by those trying to quit smoking and has stated that the health risks from vaping are 95 per cent lower than traditional cigarettes.
PHE's findings have also been supported by numerous international public health agencies and experts.
DARE managing director Pankaj Kumar said the findings from this opinion poll are timely. It provides a better understanding of Malaysians' perception of THR and how vaping can become a powerful tool in reducing smoking prevalence in Malaysia.
"Malaysian policymakers need to take the proper steps and fully harness vape's potential as a harm reduced product, regulation is critical.
"The regulatory framework must be well-defined and take into consideration the public health opportunities presented by vape products.
"Sensible regulation and taxation regime that is differentiated from tobacco need to be put in place to encourage smokers to switch to vape," he said.
Findings from the survey will be used to develop a comprehensive report on the benefit of THR practice which will be launched in mid-October 2021, Pankaj said.