BALIK PULAU: The number of smokers aged 18 and above has risen to five million last year compared to 4.7 million in 2011, according to a Health Ministry study.
However, the study showed that the proportion of smokers among all Malaysians had dropped to 22.8 percent compared to 23.1 percent in 2011, even though the total number of smokers had increased.
“The total number of smokers rose by 300,000 in five years and the main cause is due to an increase in the country’s population as well as the lack of awareness among the people on the dangers of smoking,” said Deputy Health Minister Hilmi Yahya.
– BERNAMA