A balanced approach is needed for tobacco control through education, regulation and harm reduction
A SPARK ignites. In that fleeting moment, energy fills the air, and two souls recognise the potential for a profound connection. Over time, some nurture this spark into a fulfilling, healthy relationship, while others find themselves entangled in toxic ones.
Much like the initial allure of a cigarette, toxic relationships may feel comforting at first –effortless, even natural – like the soothing exhale of smoke. But the harm to one’s well-being soon becomes evident.
The global tobacco crisis
Recognising the devastating long-term effects of tobacco, governments worldwide have introduced anti-smoking laws.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over a quarter of the global population in 74 countries benefits from comprehensive national smoke-free legislation.
While no nation has completely banned cigarettes, countries like Bhutan, New Zealand, and Brazil have implemented stringent tobacco controls.
Others, including Ireland, Greece, Spain, and Hungary, enforce public smoking bans to safeguard public health.
Education, not blanket prohibition
Despite these efforts, the demand for cigarettes remains persistent. History has shown that outright bans often fuel illicit trade, creating a shadow market driven by high prices and the small, portable nature of cigarettes.
Illicit trade thrives on weak enforcement and public resistance, with counterfeit factories in poorly regulated areas producing unregulated and unsafe products.
In 2022, Philip Morris France Illicit Trade Prevention manager Daniel Bruquel emphasised the dangers of these illegal cigarettes.
“They are completely unregulated and fail to comply with basic safety and quality standards, heavily undermining efforts to reduce smoking prevalence and protect youth from smoking,” he said.
A more effective strategy combines education with sensible prohibitions, such as public smoking bans. While prohibitions protect non-smokers, education empowers smokers to make healthier choices.
Harm reduction: A balanced approach
While quitting smoking entirely remains the ultimate goal, it is an undeniable reality that many smokers struggle to quit.
For these individuals, harm reduction strategies – offering alternatives with significantly fewer toxic chemicals – are essential.
Scientific advancements have paved the way for the development of smoke-free alternatives, which, when supported by proper regulations, can reduce exposure to harmful substances for smokers and those around them.
These innovations align with public health goals, addressing the persistent demand for tobacco products in a safer way.
Addressing revenue leaks
The saying “better the devil you know than the devil you don’t” holds true in the tobacco industry.
While smoking’s health risks are well-known, products from legitimate manufacturers ensure compliance with safety and quality standards – unlike unregulated, illicit alternatives.
In Malaysia, the excise duty on cigarettes could generate RM14bil annually if all sales were legal.
However, the 2023 Illicit Cigarettes Study shows that 55.6% of the market consists of illegal cigarettes, resulting in billions of ringgit in lost tax revenue.
This loss is compounded by the RM6.2bil spent annually on treating tobacco-related illnesses, far exceeding the RM3bil collected in tobacco taxes in 2020.
A shift to regulated smoke-free alternatives could alleviate this financial burden while protecting public health.
A path forward
Tobacco use kills over eight million people annually, including 1.3 million non-smokers exposed to secondhand smoke.
While quitting entirely should be encouraged, the reality for many smokers underscores the need for pragmatic harm reduction measures.
By combining strong regulation, public education, and innovation in smoke-free alternatives, societies can significantly improve public health outcomes while addressing the economic costs of tobacco use.
It is time to empower individuals with safer choices and work collectively toward a healthier, smoke-free future.
