In Malaysia, tobacco-related diseases make up four of the top 10 causes of death, including IHD as the number one cause of death. Tobacco is also rated as the 3rd most common risk factor in the nation.

Worldwide research shows that although more than 70% of smokers want to quit, only 4-7% succeed. Governments that have adopted THR policies are seeing the smoking rates drop thanks to nicotine alternatives.

Public health policy should help prevent tobacco-related disease and premature death, using proportionate, risk-based THR regulation. Unfortunately, only selected countries fully embrace this opportunity to save smokers’ lives.

By adopting a science-based, risk-proportionate and tobacco control complementary approach to tobacco harm reduction, it has been proven that countries can help protect their population’s public health.