According to the 2023 Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS), vaping in Malaysia has seen an astonishing increase of 600 percent over the past twelve years. The prevalence of e-cigarette users has grown from a mere 0.8 percent in 2011 to 5.8 percent in 2023.
Key Findings and Trends
The GATS, a comprehensive study conducted in over 30 countries, highlights several key trends in Malaysia:
- Dual Usage Increase: The percentage of individuals who use both tobacco and e-cigarettes rose from 0.8 percent in 2011 to 3.9 percent in 2023.
- Youth and Young Adult Usage: The highest prevalence of e-cigarette usage is within the 15–24 age group, at 8.6 percent, closely followed by the 25-44 age group at 7.1 percent.
- Reasons for Vaping: The primary motivations for e-cigarette usage cited by participants were the appealing flavors, perceived lower health risks compared to traditional smoking, and greater enjoyment.
Smoking Statistics and Attitudes Toward Quitting
The survey also sheds light on smoking habits:
- Resistance to Quitting: A significant 41 percent of adult smokers in Malaysia have no plans to quit smoking.
- Future Plans to Quit: About 13 percent of smokers are considering quitting within the next 12 months, while 37 percent plan to quit someday.
- Smoking Prevalence: Approximately 19 percent of the adult population in Malaysia, which translates to around 4.8 million people, are smokers. Of these, 14.6 percent, or 3.7 million, smoke daily.
Survey Methodology
GATS Malaysia 2023 conducted interviews with 5,780 households across all Malaysian states over two months, focusing on respondents aged 15 years and above.
Final Thoughts
The surge in vaping among Malaysians, especially among younger demographics, points to shifting patterns in tobacco and nicotine use. This rise poses both challenges and opportunities for public health strategies in the country. For more insights into the latest trends in vaping and smoking, keep following our blog.
