Malaysia expands access to nicotine replacement therapy to fight lung disease

September 9, 2025
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Health Minister Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad announces the progressive reclassification of nicotine replacement therapy products to over-the-counter status since 2022 at the Live, Laugh, Lungs Campaign.
​Malaysia has taken significant steps in expanding access to smoking cessation aids by reclassifying Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) products such as nicotine gums and patches to over-the-counter (OTC) status, a move to help reduce the country's substantial burden of lung diseases.

The reclassification, implemented since 2022, has been praised by Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad as a progressive measure that has successfully expanded access to NRT products. According to a report by the Social and Economic Research Initiative (SERI) titled "Advancing Smoking Cessation in ASEAN: The Role of Nicotine Replacement Therapy," 77% of smokers are more likely to use NRT products if made available OTC.

"Since 2022, Malaysia has taken progressive steps by reclassifying Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) products, such as nicotine gums and patches, to over-the-counter (OTC) status. This move is commendable as it has successfully expanded access to NRT products," Dr Dzulkefly stated at the Live, Laugh, Lungs Campaign in conjunction with World Lung Day National Celebration 2025.

The initiative comes as Malaysia faces a significant burden from both infectious and non-communicable lung diseases. Tuberculosis remains particularly concerning, with 26,183 new cases reported in 2024. Additionally, nearly half a million children aged 6 to 17 in Malaysia suffer from asthma, while more than 1.4 million adults have been diagnosed with the disease. Lung cancer ranks as the second most common cancer among men and the third among women in the country.

In line with the government's efforts to expand access to quit-smoking support, Watsons has announced it will increase the availability of NRT products across its nationwide store network by the end of October 2025. This partnership aims to ensure smokers can more easily obtain NRT products to support their quit journey.

The announcement was made during the Live, Laugh, Lungs Campaign, which ran from September 3-7, 2025, at 1 Utama Shopping Centre in Petaling Jaya. The campaign, part of the World Lung Day celebrations, called on everyone to prevent disease, undergo early detection, and adopt a healthy lifestyle—including quitting smoking.

World Lung Day, celebrated annually on September 25, serves as an important reminder of the significance of lung health. This year's theme, "Healthy Lungs, Healthy Lives," emphasizes the importance of caring for our lungs for a healthier life and aligns with Malaysia's efforts through the Lung Health Resolution, presented and adopted at the 2025 World Health Assembly (WHA).

"Lung health is the foundation of a quality life. Together, let us stop smoking, undergo regular check-ups, and appreciate every breath—for ourselves, our loved ones, and the healthier future of Malaysia," Dr Dzulkefly concluded.

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