Harm reduction principle in policy and regulations to shape consumers’ behaviour ― Idris Jala
OCTOBER 29 ― Since early 2020, the world has been living under various degrees of lockdown measures due to the coronavirus pandemic.
A study conducted by researchers in Malaysia between May and September 2020 in assessing the overall mental health of adult Malaysians found that there were increased depressive, anxiety and stress symptoms throughout the pandemic period, with depression rates showing the greatest increase compared to pre-pandemic period.
As we are social beings, prolonged lockdowns that have essentially restricted our movements to socialise and to some extent, earn a living, have been putting an immense pressure on our wellbeing. Experts believe that many turned to cigarettes in response to psychosocial stress, noting that people from lower income backgrounds and younger adults are among those who have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic and are more prone to tobacco use.
This means that 6 out of every 10 cigarettes sold in Malaysia are basically illegal, meaning they are not rightfully contributing to the duties and taxes collection to the government. These alternative, innovative products that use no-combustion technology have undergone studies and scientific assessments, which have shown that these non-combustible products are over 90 per cent safer than combustible cigarettes. Studies have also shown that smoking quit rate is over 60 per cent higher for those using combination of licensed medications and non-combustible nicotine products.
The introduction of alternative non-combustible products such as the heated tobacco products in Japan since 2016 has also accelerated the decline in cigarette sales, supporting the HRP concept implemented there. As these progressive countries focus on harm reduction concept that is more pragmatic in achieving their long term goals in smoking prevalence, it is high time that Malaysia also moves to adopt a similar approach and action, for the collective benefit of Malaysians.I believe that competition and innovation should be the bedrock of policy making. This means establishing policy that encourages innovation, not only from the industry’s end but also from the consumers’ point of view.
Malaysia Latest News, Malaysia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Kerjasama pendakwah, kerajaan perkukuh institusi masyarakat, kata Idris | The Malaysian InsightMenteri agama minta pendakwah untuk bersama-sama kerajaan membina semula negara khususnya dalam aspek pembangunan modal insan.
Read more »
Former Melaka CM Idris says Umno must move on from MCA, MIC since both have fallen out of favour with respective communities | Malay MailKUALA LUMPUR, Oct 28 ― Umno needs to move on from MCA and MIC as both Barisan Nasional component parties have fallen out of favour with the Chinese and Indian communities, former Melaka chief minister Datuk Seri Idris Haron has said. Idris, in an interview with Free Malaysia Today, said that the...
Read more »
Hong Kong to further tighten Covid travel restrictions | Malay MailHONG KONG, Oct 27 — Hong Kong will tighten coronavirus travel restrictions to bring it more into line with the Chinese mainland, its leader said Tuesday, as the city extended its streak of more than two months without a major local outbreak. The announcement came despite concerns from the...
Read more »
Ringgit opens almost flat against US dollar | Malay MailKUALA LUMPUR, Oct 27 — The ringgit opened almost flat against the US dollar today as a lack of market moving news resulted in most investors remaining on the sidelines, said a dealer. At 9.10am, the local currency traded at 4.1455/1475 versus the greenback from 4.1450/1475 at yesterday’s close....
Read more »
Gunman in Idaho shopping mall shooting spree dies of injuries | Malay MailBOISE, Oct 27 — A man who opened fire with a handgun at a shopping mall in Boise, Idaho, killing two people and injuring several others, including a police officer, died on Tuesday from wounds sustained during the violence a day earlier, authorities said. Investigators have yet to determine...
Read more »
Biden swaps home tensions for foreign frustrations in Europe summits | Malay MailWASHINGTON, Oct 27 — President Joe Biden escapes bruising political turmoil at home for the more convivial world of diplomacy at twin summits in Europe this week — but the experience could be just as frustrating. To a veteran foreign policy expert like Biden, the G20 summit in Rome on the...
Read more »