By DayakDaily Team
A new trend is sweeping across public spaces, from coffee shops to college campuses. Small, sleek devices puff out fragrant vapor clouds, becoming symbols of a growing lifestyle choice—vaping. Particularly popular among young adults, these devices are reshaping how society views smoking and its alternatives.
According to the 2023 National Health and Morbidity Survey by Malaysia’s Ministry of Health, vaping has seen a notable rise in Sarawak, with prevalence climbing from 4.5 per cent in 2019 to 7.3 per cent in 2023. Among those aged 15 to 24, usage is highest at 9.7 per cent, followed by 8.3 per cent in the 25–34 age group. These numbers point to a shifting landscape of nicotine consumption, with younger demographics leading the charge.
Why are vapes so alluring?
The appeal of vapes and e-cigarettes extends beyond their function as smoking alternatives. Their aesthetic design, ease of use, and wide range of sweet, exotic flavors make them a hit among young adults. Unlike the acrid smell of cigarette smoke, vaping offers scents like mango, strawberry, and even dessert-inspired options, which contribute to their popularity.
From a historical perspective, the modern e-cigarette was first created in the early 2000s by Hon Lik, a Chinese pharmacist aiming to reduce the harms of traditional smoking. Since then, the vaping industry has grown exponentially, spurred by advancements in technology and aggressive marketing campaigns on digital platforms. Social media influencers and celebrities have played a pivotal role in glamorizing vaping, often portraying it as a trendy, less harmful lifestyle choice.
One significant factor behind vaping’s rise is the belief that it is safer than smoking cigarettes. According to the Malaysian Vape Industry Study 2023 by the Malaysian Vape Chamber of Commerce (MVCC), this perception is a key driver of growth.
“Vaping provides smokers with what they perceive to be a safer alternative to cigarettes, particularly because it eliminates combustion, which is the primary source of harmful toxins in traditional smoking,” the report noted.
Real stories: The vape experience
For many young users, vaping is as much about identity and socializing as it is about nicotine.
“I started vaping at 15 because it felt like the cool thing to do,” said Sunny K., a 24-year-old engineering student in Kuching. She recounted how her friends introduced her to vaping in school. The appealing flavors and the thrill of using a prohibited device added to its charm.
“I didn’t even realize at first that vapes had nicotine in them,” she admitted. “It just seemed safer than cigarettes because it didn’t have that harsh smell.”
For adults like Justin S., a 46-year-old finance officer and former smoker, vaping represents harm reduction. When he discovered his 18-year-old son vaping, he was initially concerned but felt relieved it wasn’t cigarettes.
“Cigarettes are full of tar and dangerous chemicals. Vapes might not be perfect, but they seem like the lesser of two evils,” he said.
The hidden risks of vaping
While vaping is marketed as a safer alternative, it is not without risks.
One major concern is the lack of transparency regarding vape products. Many e-liquids sold online or in shops fail to disclose their full list of ingredients. Chemicals such as formaldehyde and propylene glycol, commonly found in vape liquids, have been linked to adverse health effects when inhaled.
Moreover, nicotine—a key component in most vape juices—is highly addictive. For young users, early exposure to nicotine can lead to long-term dependency, hinder brain development, and increase the likelihood of transitioning to cigarette smoking.
“Without clear labeling and regulatory oversight, users are often unaware of what they are consuming, which can lead to significant health risks,” warned a health expert from the Ministry of Health.
Why is smoking so harmful?
To understand the appeal of harm reduction through vaping, it’s crucial to first grasp why smoking is so dangerous.
Cigarette smoke contains over 6,000 chemicals, with more than 70 identified as carcinogens. The combustion of tobacco is the primary culprit, releasing harmful substances like tar, carbon monoxide, and hydrogen cyanide. These toxins contribute to severe health conditions, including lung cancer, heart disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Beyond personal health, smoking also harms the environment. Cigarette smoke pollutes the air, while discarded cigarette butts are a significant source of litter, leaching toxins into soil and water.
Harm Reduction: A Path Forward
The harm caused by smoking is undeniable, but the global effort to reduce its prevalence faces significant challenges. Despite decades of traditional tobacco control measures, smoking remains a persistent public health crisis. This is where harm reduction strategies, championed by leaders like Jacek Olczak, Chief Executive Officer of Philip Morris International (PMI), could play a transformative role.
Olczak has been vocal about the urgent need to rethink existing tobacco control approaches, calling for governments to recognize the potential of harm reduction in achieving a smoke-free future. He famously declared, “Cigarettes belong in museums,” emphasizing PMI’s commitment to moving beyond cigarettes and investing in less harmful alternatives.
Using data from the World Health Organization (WHO) and independent research, PMI has built a model to demonstrate the potential impact of harm reduction. According to their findings, if all smokers transitioned completely to smoke-free alternatives—such as heated tobacco products or nicotine pouches—even if these products are assumed to be only 80 per cent less harmful than cigarettes, the reduction in smoking-attributable deaths could be tenfold compared to relying on historical tobacco control measures alone.
The cost of ignoring harm reduction
Olczak’s message is clear: Inaction on harm reduction carries significant consequences. Every year, millions of smokers continue to light up due to a lack of viable alternatives, perpetuating health risks that could be mitigated. For the sake of public health, governments, health organizations, and industry leaders must collaborate to ensure adult smokers have access to better options while protecting youth from nicotine use.
PMI’s mission, according to Olczak, is “to reduce smoking by replacing cigarettes with less harmful alternatives.” With continued investment in innovation and a commitment to scientific integrity, the company envisions a world where cigarettes truly belong in museums, consigned to history as a relic of the past.
Balancing Youth Protection and Adult Harm Reduction
While vaping holds promise as a harm-reduction tool, its growing popularity among youth demands careful regulation. Striking the right balance involves implementing strict age restrictions, transparent labeling, and public education campaigns to discourage underage use.
At the same time, policies should acknowledge the needs of adult smokers. Providing access to scientifically-backed alternatives, along with clear information about their risks and benefits, can help reduce smoking rates without criminalizing those struggling with nicotine addiction.
A call to action
As vaping continues to gain traction in Sarawak and beyond, stakeholders—including policymakers, health professionals, and industry leaders—must work together to create a responsible framework for its use. With the right regulations and harm reduction strategies, society can address the risks of smoking while offering practical solutions for those seeking a healthier future. — DayakDaily
