Malaysia is a country located in Southeast Asia, with a population of over 32 million people. Like many other countries, Malaysia faces a range of health issues that impact the population. In this article, we will discuss some of the common health issues in Malaysia and the attitudes and legislation surrounding smoking in the country.
Common Health Issues in Malaysia
Obesity
Obesity is a growing concern in Malaysia, with an estimated 30% of the population being classified as overweight or obese. This is a significant increase from previous years, and it has been linked to a rise in the prevalence of chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain types of cancer.
Cardiovascular Disease
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in Malaysia, accounting for approximately 30% of all deaths in the country. This includes conditions such as coronary heart disease, stroke, and hypertension.
Cancer
Cancer is also a significant health issue in Malaysia, with an estimated 35,000 new cases diagnosed each year. The most common types of cancer in Malaysia are breast, lung, and colorectal cancer.
Mental Health
Mental health is another growing concern in Malaysia, with an estimated 29% of the population experiencing some form of mental health disorder. This includes conditions such as anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia.
Smoking in Malaysia
Smoking Rates
Smoking is relatively common in Malaysia, with an estimated 22.8% of the population being smokers. This is higher than the global average of 20.9%, and it has been linked to a range of health issues such as lung cancer, heart disease, and stroke.
Attitudes towards Smoking
While smoking rates are relatively high in Malaysia, attitudes towards smoking are changing. There is now a greater awareness of the health risks associated with smoking, and more people are taking steps to quit smoking or avoid starting in the first place.
Legislation on Smoking
There are a number of laws and regulations in Malaysia aimed at reducing smoking rates and protecting non-smokers from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke. These include:
- The Control of Tobacco Product Regulations 2004, which prohibits smoking in a range of public places such as hospitals, schools, and government buildings.
- The Smoking Ban (Amendment) Regulations 2018, which prohibits smoking in all eateries and food outlets, including open-air premises.
- The Minimum Age of Smoking (Amendment) Regulations 2018, which raised the minimum age for purchasing and using tobacco products from 18 to 21 years old.
In conclusion, Malaysia faces a range of health issues such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and mental health disorders. While smoking rates are relatively high in the country, attitudes towards smoking are changing, and there are laws and regulations in place aimed at reducing smoking rates and protecting non-smokers from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke.