Majority of M’sian smokers want sale of e-cigarettes legalised
Published on: Friday, December 06, 2019
By: NST
File photo from Bernama.
Kuala Lumpur: Majority of Malaysian smokers (69pc) say that they want to see legislation that would allow for the distribution and sale of nicotine e-cigarettes so that they can have a viable alternative to help them quit regular cigarettes.At the same time, 66pc of Malaysians believe that the government is not doing enough to help smokers quit. In fact, more than half of parents (55pc), teachers (51pc) and healthcare professionals (52pc) polled agreed that the government should emulate the health ministries of countries like the United Kingdom and New Zealand that regulate the sale of nicotine e-cigarettes as a means to help smokers quit.
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These revelations are from the Malaysian Perception of Smoking and Vaping Survey, a recent opinion poll conducted by market research company Green Zebras Sdn Bhd.
The poll also found that 58pc of Malaysians surveyed believe that nicotine e-cigarettes should be taxed but at a level lower than that of regular cigarettes to encourage people to switch and quit smoking. This sentiment was equally reflected by both smokers and non-smokers alike.
Notably, 72pc of all respondents say that they know someone, be it family, friends or colleagues, who vape and 67pc said that they know where to purchase nicotine e-cigarettes. Ironically, more than half (57pc) polled are aware that nicotine vape products are not allowed to be sold in Malaysia.
However, when non-smokers were asked if they are currently vaping, none of them said they were, thus potentially indicating that non-smokers are not inclined to pick up vaping.
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Steve Murphy, managing director and co-founder of Green Zebras, said, “The opinion poll shows that most Malaysians are well aware of nicotine e-cigarettes and even where to get them, as these products are now prevalent in our society.”
“Notably the poll also shows that Malaysians understand the need to regulate nicotine e-cigarettes and make them available to smokers wanting to quit,” he added.
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He pointed out that the survey was timely given that the government is currently drafting a new Tobacco Control and Smoking Act.
“This survey provides a better understanding of Malaysians’ perception of smoking and vaping which in turn should help relevant stakeholders to make informed decisions,” he added.Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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