Studies show that making nicotine replacement therapy products like the patch or gum available over-the-counter boosts their usage, smoking abstinence, and quit attempts.
In Malaysia, nicotine replacement therapy products can only be dispensed by a medical practitioner or pharmacist, unlike New Zealand that provides such items without prescription.
Do take part in this short survey by CodeBlue and the Galen Centre for Health and Social Policy to express your views on the proposed smoking ban for anyone born after 2005.
Cigarettes and related products remains the most identifiable and preventable risk factor for numerous non-communicable diseases, including lung cancer.
Step up enforcement and consider harm-reduction approaches so that next year, our Chinese New Year reunions can take place in a more conducive surrounding.
Khairy Jamaluddin hopes that the proposed generation endgame to smoking will reduce the number of new smokers so that MOH can focus on the existing disease burden.
While enforcement is a big issue with the prevalence of illicit cigarettes, Khairy says that should not stop Malaysia from pursuing a generational smoking ban.
The proposed ban on the sale of tobacco to anyone born after 2005 includes vape or e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products, besides cigarettes, cigars, and smokeless tobacco.