Malaysia plans to ban tobacco sales to anyone born after 2005

Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin had said in early January 2022[1] that he wanted to ban the sale of tobacco to future generations with the aim of an "endgame"[2] " of smoking in Malaysia in the long term. The minister wants Malaysians aged 17 today to be unable to legally buy tobacco when they turn 18 next year, or beyond that in their lifetime.[3].

The Department of Health will shortly introduce new legislation in Parliament to ban the sale and possession of tobacco and nicotine products, including e-cigarettes, to anyone born after 2005. If Parliament approves the ban for anyone born after 2005, it means the Government has less than a year to come up with a mechanism to ensure the products are not sold to adults aged 18 in 2023.

Reduce the prevalence of tobacco-related diseases and deaths

The country has set a target of 15% smoking prevalence by 2025 as part of its Strategic Plan for Noncommunicable Diseases 2016-2025. Currently, over 21% of its population aged 15 and above smoke regularly. Smoking prevalence remains high in the country, especially among men. About 40% of men aged 15 and above smoke regularly compared to only 1.2% of women. Smoking prevalence is 24 % among men aged 15-19 years and nearly 50% among men aged 30-35 years.

Tobacco use is the leading cause of cancer in the country, accounting for 22,100 cancer deaths. In total, more than 27,200 deaths each year are related to smoking in Malaysia.

Khairy Jamaluddin believes that this measure will have a significant impact on the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases in Malaysia. Malaysia is the only country so far, along with New Zealand, to ban tobacco for future generations. In New Zealand, according to a law that will be enacted in 2023, it will be illegal to sell cigarettes or other tobacco products to anyone born after 2008.[4].

Reread: Malaysia considers banning tobacco for future generations – January 17, 2022

Keywords: Malaysia, endgame, youth, non-communicable diseases, tobacco

©Tobacco Free Generation

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[1] Generation without tobacco, Malaysia considers banning tobacco for future generations, January 17, 2022, accessed February 18, 2022[2] The endgame is part of tobacco control. The aim is, alongside proven measures (tax increases, smoke-free places, health warnings, etc.), to consider new complementary measures that are part of the aim of achieving a tobacco-free generation, i.e. a prevalence of less than 5% for age groups reaching adulthood and to keep these generations tobacco-free.[3] Dawn Chan, Generational End Game' towards a tobacco free generation, New Straits Times, February 17, 2022, accessed February 18, 2022[4] Generation without tobacco, New Zealand to ban tobacco for future generations, December 15, 2021, accessed February 18, 2022National Committee Against Smoking |