A new study done on Malaysian smokers has revealed that almost half of them have chosen vaping to cut down on or quit smoking completely.
Conducted at the end of 2021, Kantar Group, a data analytics and brand consulting company based in London, England surveyed usage and attitudes towards vaping, tobacco products and cigarettes in Malaysia.
The survey interviewed 500 people in the country.
Commenting on this discovery, Dr Delon Human, President and Chief Executive Officer of Health Diplomat, said that, “It is consistent with many scientific evidence about vaping being smokers’ choice and how effective it is in helping them break the habit of smoking.”
“Available evidence so far shows that the majority of smokers want to quit.”
Using the United Kingdom as an example, he added that, “About two thirds of smokers, regardless of social class, wants to stop smoking and vape has become the method of choice for people looking to stop smoking in the country.”
The survey also showed that 52% of Malaysian smokers perceive vaping to be less harmful than smoking.
On these grounds, 86% say that vapes should be made available to smokers as a less harmful product and 90% believe that vaping should be actively promoted as an alternative that is not as detrimental as cigarettes.
“Research on the usage of vape so far shows that it is a matter of fact that vaping is not risk-free but it is significantly less dangerous compared to smoking cigarettes.”
“Interestingly, the number of Malaysian smokers who are aware of this is higher than that of other countries,” he added.
Nonetheless, 60% of Malaysians are worried about vaping products not being regulated whilst 81% believe that regulations must be implemented to ensure that the products are not defective and that they meet product standards and quality and are not sold to underage children.
A move from cigarettes to vape seems reasonable and in alignment with the government’s plan to outlaw smoking. That is, if one is vaping for the purpose of cutting down on or quitting smoking.
Do you agree with the findings? Let us know in the comments!
Also read: KJ: Bill On Total Smoking Ban For Those Born After 2005 Will Be Tabled In July
