Guest Lecture: Malaysia’s 20-Year Journey in Tobacco Policy – Achievements, Challenges, and the Road Ahead

Prof. Haliza recently delivered a guest lecture at the Prof. Noor Nasry Noor Auditorium on “Tobacco Policy Implementation in Malaysia: Successes and Challenges of a 20-Year Journey.” Dr. Muhammad Yusran Amir, Head of the Master of Health Policy Administration Program at UNHAS, moderated the event and highlighted the partnership between UNHAS and University Putra Malaysia (UPM), aiming for ongoing collaboration in research and student programs.

Prof. Haliza discussed Malaysia’s key policies to reduce smoking, including high taxes on cigarettes, smoke-free zones, advertising bans, and graphic health warnings. These efforts have helped reduce Malaysia’s adult smoking rates from 23.1% in 2006 to 21.3% in 2019. She also highlighted the 2024 “Generational Endgame” policy, which bans tobacco sales to those born after 2007, aiming to create a tobacco-free generation.

Despite progress, challenges remain. The smoking rate of 22.8% in 2023, a rise in e-cigarette use among youth, and limited smoking cessation programs underscore the need for sustained efforts. Prof. Haliza emphasized that continued cooperation is vital to achieving a tobacco-free society in Malaysia.