Public opinion about tobacco control strategies and their implementation in Malaysia: a qualitative study
Abstract Aim Malaysia recently introduced new tobacco regulations such as the sale, advertising, and promotion of all smoking products, including e-cigarettes and vapes in October 2024. We report the qualitative results of mixed-methods research to assess public opinion and perspectives on the imple...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Springer
2025-07-01
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| Series: | Discover Public Health |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12982-025-00849-3 |
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| author | Fateen Izzah Haziqah binti Parlan Pathiyil Ravi Shankar Palanisamy Sivanandy Chandrashekhar T. Sreeramareddy |
| author_facet | Fateen Izzah Haziqah binti Parlan Pathiyil Ravi Shankar Palanisamy Sivanandy Chandrashekhar T. Sreeramareddy |
| author_sort | Fateen Izzah Haziqah binti Parlan |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Aim Malaysia recently introduced new tobacco regulations such as the sale, advertising, and promotion of all smoking products, including e-cigarettes and vapes in October 2024. We report the qualitative results of mixed-methods research to assess public opinion and perspectives on the implementation of tobacco control measures in Malaysia. Subject and methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted from November 2024-January 2025 using an interview guide. The guide was refined through discussion among the researchers and piloted on one individual. The interviews were conducted via online software, either in English or in Bahasa Melayu, according to the interviewee’s choice. The transcripts generated were edited and translated into English if needed. Thematic analysis was performed according to the methods of Braun and Clarke. New themes were identified and refined during the study. Member checking was performed. Results Nine individuals were interviewed. The themes identified were participants ‘opinions about current tobacco control strategies; current challenges in implementing these strategies; suggestions for addressing these challenges; the impact of removing liquid nicotine from the list of controlled substances, such as opium, cannabis, psychotropic substances, etc.; and measures to curb growing e-cigarette use and vaping. The participants supported the tobacco control strategies, but the lack of dedicated personnel to implement these strategies was a challenge. Different suggestions to address these issues have been provided. The action of removing nicotine from the list was regarded unfavourably, and participants wanted tighter regulation of e-cigarettes and vapes. Efforts to raise awareness were mentioned. Conclusion This study identified the enforcement of smoke-free policies, curbing illicit trade, as some challenges in implementing tobacco control measures. Public views and suggestions may provide new approaches to strengthening tobacco control and regulation of e-cigarette use. Clinical trial Not applicable. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-ca76a869553344afb1a152ae6edc2a71 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 3005-0774 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-07-01 |
| publisher | Springer |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Discover Public Health |
| spelling | doaj-art-ca76a869553344afb1a152ae6edc2a712025-08-20T04:01:43ZengSpringerDiscover Public Health3005-07742025-07-0122111210.1186/s12982-025-00849-3Public opinion about tobacco control strategies and their implementation in Malaysia: a qualitative studyFateen Izzah Haziqah binti Parlan0Pathiyil Ravi Shankar1Palanisamy Sivanandy2Chandrashekhar T. Sreeramareddy3Department of Pharmacy Practice, School of Pharmacy, IMU UniversityIMU Centre for Education, IMU UniversityDepartment of Pharmacy Practice, School of Pharmacy, , IMU UniversityDivision of Public Health and Community Medicine, School of Medicine Head, Translational Research Institute for Research, Development and Innovation, IMU UniversityAbstract Aim Malaysia recently introduced new tobacco regulations such as the sale, advertising, and promotion of all smoking products, including e-cigarettes and vapes in October 2024. We report the qualitative results of mixed-methods research to assess public opinion and perspectives on the implementation of tobacco control measures in Malaysia. Subject and methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted from November 2024-January 2025 using an interview guide. The guide was refined through discussion among the researchers and piloted on one individual. The interviews were conducted via online software, either in English or in Bahasa Melayu, according to the interviewee’s choice. The transcripts generated were edited and translated into English if needed. Thematic analysis was performed according to the methods of Braun and Clarke. New themes were identified and refined during the study. Member checking was performed. Results Nine individuals were interviewed. The themes identified were participants ‘opinions about current tobacco control strategies; current challenges in implementing these strategies; suggestions for addressing these challenges; the impact of removing liquid nicotine from the list of controlled substances, such as opium, cannabis, psychotropic substances, etc.; and measures to curb growing e-cigarette use and vaping. The participants supported the tobacco control strategies, but the lack of dedicated personnel to implement these strategies was a challenge. Different suggestions to address these issues have been provided. The action of removing nicotine from the list was regarded unfavourably, and participants wanted tighter regulation of e-cigarettes and vapes. Efforts to raise awareness were mentioned. Conclusion This study identified the enforcement of smoke-free policies, curbing illicit trade, as some challenges in implementing tobacco control measures. Public views and suggestions may provide new approaches to strengthening tobacco control and regulation of e-cigarette use. Clinical trial Not applicable.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12982-025-00849-3NicotineVapingElectronic nicotine delivery systemsPublic opinionMalaysiaTobacco products |
| spellingShingle | Fateen Izzah Haziqah binti Parlan Pathiyil Ravi Shankar Palanisamy Sivanandy Chandrashekhar T. Sreeramareddy Public opinion about tobacco control strategies and their implementation in Malaysia: a qualitative study Discover Public Health Nicotine Vaping Electronic nicotine delivery systems Public opinion Malaysia Tobacco products |
| title | Public opinion about tobacco control strategies and their implementation in Malaysia: a qualitative study |
| title_full | Public opinion about tobacco control strategies and their implementation in Malaysia: a qualitative study |
| title_fullStr | Public opinion about tobacco control strategies and their implementation in Malaysia: a qualitative study |
| title_full_unstemmed | Public opinion about tobacco control strategies and their implementation in Malaysia: a qualitative study |
| title_short | Public opinion about tobacco control strategies and their implementation in Malaysia: a qualitative study |
| title_sort | public opinion about tobacco control strategies and their implementation in malaysia a qualitative study |
| topic | Nicotine Vaping Electronic nicotine delivery systems Public opinion Malaysia Tobacco products |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12982-025-00849-3 |
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