30% of cancer deaths and 90% of chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases in Malaysia were linked to smoking. -The Star/ANN

KUALA LUMPUR: About four million Malaysians, or 21.5% of the adult population, are addicted to smoking, with almost one out of two males being smokers, according to the National Health and Morbidity Survey.

The statistics also showed 30% of cancer deaths and 90% of chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases in Malaysia were linked to smoking.

Quoting these figures, GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare Sdn Bhd (GSK) vice-president and general manager (South Asia) Akhil Chandra said yesterday that smoking had become a major cause of a number of health problems.

“On top of being an expensive habit, it is hazardous to both smokers and second-hand smokers,” he told reporters after launching GSK’s latest product, Niquitin. Akhil said Niquitin, which comes in both patch and lozenges form, could help smokers quit the habit. Present at the launch were Datin Dr Aziah Ahmad Mahayiddin and Assoc Prof Dr M. Haniki Nik Mohamed from the Initiative of Malaysian Health Professionals’ Alliance on Cessation of Tobacco (Impact).

Dr Aziah, who is Impact president, said the product could contribute to the Government’s effort in reducing the number of smokers.

Dr Haniki said studies had shown that smokers on the patch or lozenges faced minimal withdrawal symptoms.