Smoking is the leading cause of various serious diseases and premature deaths in Malaysia, contributing to about 10–12% of deaths. Half of Malaysian men are reported to smoke, with worrying patterns among teenagers: around 25% of students aged 15 and above have tried smoking, and 70% of them are at risk of becoming heavy smokers after finishing school. The economic burden is also huge; Malaysians spend about RM1.5 billion annually on cigarettes. Smoking not only harms smokers’ health but also endangers those around them; it is estimated that 60–75% of cigarette smoke is inhaled by non-smokers (secondhand smoke), making family members especially children passive smokers at risk.

In terms of diseases, smoking is strongly linked to lung cancer, one of the most common cancers among men. Cigarette smoke contains nearly 4,000 toxic chemicals, including at least 53 carcinogens. Beyond cancer, smoking increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks and strokes. Nicotine and other toxins cause blood vessels to thicken and narrow, disrupting blood flow and triggering damage to vital organs. These acute and chronic effects can lead to paralysis, permanent disability, or death. Among children, exposure to secondhand smoke is associated with prolonged coughing, asthma, lung infections, and ear infections. From a reproductive perspective, smoking impairs male fertility, including the risk of impotence, poor sperm quality, and erectile problems, making it difficult to have healthy offspring.

Cigarette smoke also contains toxic substances such as carbon monoxide (car exhaust), ammonia (floor cleaner), arsenic (rat poison), cadmium (batteries), methanol (fuel), and cyanide. Clear evidence shows how dangerous the smoke inhaled with each cigarette is. In addition to explaining the risks, the article outlines preventive and protective measures: quit smoking or never start. Stay away from smokers and avoid places exposed to cigarette smoke, adopt a healthy lifestyle through physical activity and positive thinking. Furthermore, protect children by not smoking inside the house or car, washing hands after smoking, changing clothes, and showering before holding them. Ultimately, the core message is clear quitting smoking is the most effective action to protect yourself, your family, and society, reducing the risk of cancer, heart disease, and stroke, while easing the emotional and healthcare cost burden on loved ones.

Sources: infosihat.moh.gov.my

Date of Input: 04/06/2025 | Updated: 19/08/2025 | aslamiah