20 percent or around 50 to 60,000 people in the country aged between 18 to 69 are smokers. The data is based on the Steps NCD 2016 survey shared by the Minister of Health in conjunction with World No Tobacco Day 2022. According to Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Doctor Haji Awang Mohammad Isham bin Haji Jaafar 36.3 percent are men and 3.7 percent are among women.

Meanwhile, from the Global School Health Survey 2019 showed that 9.8 percent of adolescents aged 13 to 17 are smokers. This, according to the Minister of Health indicates the domestic demand for cigarettes is still high.

The Minister of Health also urged all parties to strive for making the country free from tobacco and cigarette smoke. Smokers are also urged to take an opportunity to quit smoking and make it a motivation to be more sensitive in self -improvement to improve the health of themselves, family, community and country. World No Tobacco Day is celebrated every 31st May with this year's celebration carries the theme, 'Tobacco: A Threat to Our Environment'.

Source: Radio Television Brunei