By DayakDaily Team
SMOKING has long been deeply ingrained in the lives of many Malaysians, intertwined with social customs, stress relief, and even cultural practices. However, as awareness of the severe health risks associated with tobacco use grows, individuals and society are beginning to reassess their relationship with smoking.
For Danny B., a 46-year-old engineer from Kuching, addressing his smoking habit became a priority two years ago. Having smoked a pack a day since his early twenties, Danny spent more than two decades in a routine he now describes as both difficult to break and necessary to confront.
Facing the hidden dangers of smoking
The risks of smoking are undeniable, with decades of research detailing its harmful effects. Cigarette smoke contains over 6,000 chemicals, or “smoke constituents,” including arsenic, benzene, carbon monoxide, and heavy metals such as lead and cadmium.
Among these, public health authorities have identified at least 100 chemicals capable of causing or contributing to smoking-related diseases, including lung cancer, cardiovascular disease, and emphysema. Smoking remains one of the leading preventable causes of death worldwide, claiming millions of lives each year.
Danny admits these stark realities were hard to ignore. “I knew the risks, but smoking had become such a routine part of my life. It wasn’t easy to even consider making a change,” he said.
A new approach: Harm reduction
Harm reduction strategies have emerged in recent years as a complementary approach to traditional cessation methods. These strategies focus on reducing the risks associated with smoking for those who find quitting entirely too difficult. Alternatives such as nicotine replacement therapies, smokeless tobacco, and heated tobacco products (HTPs) are global attention.
Danny’s journey began with curiosity about HTPs—devices that heat tobacco rather than burning it. “I decided to give it a try because I’d heard it might be less harmful than regular cigarettes,” he said. “I wasn’t ready to quit completely, but I thought this could be a step forward.”
Scientific insights into HTPs
Transitioning to alternatives posed challenges, but Danny found it manageable. “The device I use naturally limits the amount I consume because it needs to be recharged after a certain number of uses,” he explained.
Research, such as ‘The Evidence Review of E-cigarettes and Heated Tobacco Products 2018’ by A. McNeill, commissioned by Public Health England, highlights that heating tobacco at lower temperatures significantly reduces the formation of harmful chemicals compared to traditional cigarette combustion.
Dr Maurice Smith, an independent consultant for Philip Morris International (PMI) with a background in toxicology, cited a study by the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BFR) on IQOS, a heated tobacco product. The study revealed that harmful carbonyl compounds, such as formaldehyde and acetaldehyde, were reduced by 80 to 96 per cent, while toxicants like benzene and butadiene were reduced by 97 to 99 per cent compared to conventional cigarettes.
A separate study in Italy tested emissions from HTPs like IQOS and Glo, alongside e-cigarettes like Juul, in controlled environments. Findings showed that HTPs produced significantly lower levels of particulate matter in the surrounding air compared to conventional cigarettes. IQOS, in particular, was associated with a markedly lower burden of emissions.
Smoking through cultural lenses
In rural areas such as Sarawak, smoking extends beyond individual habits—it is part of a cultural identity. Traditional handmade cigarettes and betel nut chewing remain common among communities like the Orang Ulu.
Sarah Ling, a community health worker, explains, “For some people, smoking isn’t just about addiction—it’s tied to their way of life. Public health campaigns need to respect cultural practices while encouraging healthier choices.”
Danny’s reflection on change
Two years into using HTPs, Danny reports positive changes. He smokes less, feels better physically, and his family appreciates the reduced tobacco odour in their home. “I still have a long way to go, but this feels like progress,” he said.
He also finds himself increasingly averse to traditional cigarettes. “When I tried lighting a regular cigarette recently, the smoke irritated my throat, and I couldn’t finish it,” he shared.
While stories like Danny’s provide hope, public health authorities stress that quitting smoking entirely remains the healthiest choice. The Ministry of Health continues to emphasise anti-smoking initiatives focused on education, youth protection, and cessation resources.
Globally, companies developing alternatives such as HTPs advocate for a ‘smoke-free future.’ Philip Morris International (PMI) is committed to transparency in its mission to phase out cigarettes, says Vassilis Gkatzelis, President of PMI East Asia, Australia, and Duty-Free. He aims to make the region a model for smoke-free living. “We are the first major publicly listed tobacco company to declare this goal. Over the past decade, PMI has evolved from a traditional tobacco manufacturer into a science- and technology-driven organisation,” he added.
For Danny, the journey continues. “I hope to quit entirely someday,” he said. “For now, I’m taking it step by step, reducing harm wherever I can.”
As Malaysia strengthens tobacco control laws and raises awareness, the focus remains on empowering individuals to make informed choices. Through a mix of traditional cessation methods and harm reduction strategies, the goal is to foster a healthier nation—one success at a time. –DayakDaily
