Some interesting statistics about smoking in Malaysia:
According to the Ministry of Health, in 2003, it was estimated that there are 5 million smokers in Malaysia (22 % of the population). Smoking is also believed to be a factor that caused 25 % of the non-accident deaths in Malaysia. It is also attributed as a contributing factor in eroding one’s health such as cardiovascular diseases, stroke, cancers and other lung-related diseases. The apparent adult per capita consumption of cigarettes in Malaysia has increased by 57% from 1970 to 1985 and by another 69 % between 1985 and 2000. The trend is expected to continue.
The Government has allocated RM 20 million a year on anti-smoking campaigns.
Meanwhile our Royal Malaysian Customs have got their own concerns. From an ad in The Star today (page 51, fact fans):
Here’s a close-up of the message:
So the government stance seems to be: Buy cigarettes but don’t smoke.
You want more absurdity? The Malaysian smoking statistics I quoted above were taken from a speech at the launch of an anti-smoking campaign. The absurd part? The campaign was launched in collaboration with two cigarette manufacturers. Cigarette manufacturers against smoking. What next? Hookers for celibacy?
