Philip Morris Malaysia marks three years of its smoke-free journey

PETALING JAYA: PHILIP Morris (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd (PMM), an affiliate of Philip Morris International (PMI), is celebrating the third anniversary of its business transformation towards a smoke-free future in Malaysia. PMM launched IQOS, PMI’s most advanced tobacco heating system that uses HeatControlTM technology, in 2018.

As of September 30, there were an estimated 115,000 total IQOS users in Malaysia. This is equivalent to 2% of the total smoking population in Malaysia.

“In just three years, we have been steadily progressing towards our smoke-free vision in Malaysia, with business expansion as well as providing avenues for adult smokers who would otherwise continue to smoke to switch to better alternatives. Despite an increasingly challenging environment due to the impact of the global pandemic, we at PMM remain committed to creating a smoke-free future – a future where cigarettes are replaced by science-based smoke-free alternatives as soon as possible,” said Naeem Shahab Khan, Managing Director of PMM.

PMM, with its distribution and retail partner, has opened 29 IQOS Authorised Centres (IAC) throughout Malaysia, including Sabah and Sarawak, where adult consumers can access professional customer care,

education and guidance, and purchase IQOS devices and accessories. PMM strictly maintains that IQOS is

not for youth, non-smokers, or former smokers. All IACs throughout Malaysia strictly comply with PMI’s Good Conversion Practices and enforce age verification and control measures before sharing information about IQOS with adult consumers.

Our most advanced smoke-free product, IQOS, has the potential to present less risk of harm to adult smokers.

The IQOS device is designed to heat tobacco without burning, and as a result, IQOS produces an average

95% reduction in the levels of Harmful and Potentially Harmful Chemicals (HPHCs) compared to cigarettes,

making IQOS a better alternative for adults who would otherwise continue to smoke.

Naeem added, “Through disruptive thinking, robust science and years of R&D experience behind our smoke-free platforms, it becomes vital for us to communicate the facts and science about better alternatives for the benefit of adult smokers, the public health, and society as a whole.

Without question, the best decision any smoker can make is to quit tobacco and nicotine use altogether, however, adult smokers who don’t quit should be given access to accurate information about better alternatives in order to make an informed choice.”