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Malaysia’s unwavering commitment to a smoke-free future by 2040 takes center stage. Health Minister dr. Dzulkefly ahmad spearheads the “Malaysia Bebas Rokok” initiative, highlighting critical policies for public health. This commitment confronts challenges from the tobacco industry, notably its targeting of youth, and underscores the urgent need for stricter regulations on the sale of tobacco and vape products. the article details decreasing smoking prevalence among adults, alongside a concerning rise in vaping, especially among adolescents. The Ministry of Health combats these trends with multifaceted programs and partnerships. News Directory 3 keeps you informed on the latest public health updates. Explore the launch of the Lung Health Initiative and the unveiling of Pak Lung, the mascot for lung health awareness. Discover what’s next in Malaysia’s decisive steps toward a healthier future.
Malaysia Tobacco Control Efforts Continue Toward 2040 Goal
Malaysia is committed to achieving “Malaysia Bebas Rokok” (Smoke-Free Malaysia) by 2040, according to Health Minister dr.Dzulkefly ahmad. He emphasized that this vision requires a shared commitment to policies prioritizing public health.
Speaking at the National Tobacco Control Conference 2025, Dr. dzulkefly highlighted the challenges posed by the tobacco industry’s tactics,including marketing sleek devices and sweet flavors to attract young people. The conference theme was “Unmasking the Appeal: Exposing Industry Tactics on Smoking Products.”
The World Health Organization (WHO) recently adopted malaysia’s Lung Health Resolution, marking the first global resolution placing lung health at the center of the world’s public health agenda, Dr. Dzulkefly said.
Enforcement of the control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024, effective sence Oct. 1, 2024, is crucial, he noted. The act restricts the marketing and sale of tobacco and vape products, particularly to youth. These efforts must be supported by health promotion and community engagement.
While smoking prevalence among adults has decreased from 22.4% in 2019 to 19.8% in 2023, vaping is on the rise, climbing from 4.9% to 5.1%, especially among adolescents, according to the national Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS). The NHMS 2022 also revealed that 60,000 teens are current drug users,and over 100,000 have experimented with illegal substances.
To combat these trends, the Ministry of Health (MOH) has launched several initiatives, including the Kotak (Oral Health Without Smoking) program and school counselor training, to strengthen youth prevention efforts. strategic partnerships have also been formed with organizations like the National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM) and the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA).
“As we look ahead, the MOH remains steadfast in its mission to realize ‘Malaysia bebas Rokok’ by 2040,” Dr. Dzulkefly said.
an official mascot of Malaysia’s Lung Health Initiative, named Pak Lung, was unveiled at the event. The mascot symbolizes courage and unity in the fight to protect the lungs and lives of future generations. One hundred Pak Lung mascots will be placed nationwide to raise public awareness and support community outreach.
What’s next
The Health Ministry plans to continue its comprehensive approach, combining policy enforcement, health promotion, and community engagement, to achieve its goal of a smoke-free Malaysia by 2040 and address the rising rates of vape usage among young people.