Exploring the Demand for Cigarettes: An Analysis of Adults in Malaysia

Smoking is an alarming public health issue in today’s rapidly urbanising society. The objective of the present study is to investigate factors associated with the demand for cigarettes among adults in Malaysia, i.e., an ASEAN country. Statistical analyses were performed using nationally representative data with a large sample. In terms of multivariate analysis, a Tobit model was used to examine the effects of sociodemographic factors on expenditure on cigarettes. Both conditional and unconditional expectations were estimated. We found that age, gender, wealth index, education and house locality were significantly associated with expenditure on cigarettes. The elderly spent less on cigarettes compared with young adults. Males and less-educated individuals spent more on cigarettes than females and well-educated individuals. There was a positive relationship between residing in urban areas and cigarettes expenditure. In conclusion, sociodemographic factors play an important role in determining the demand for cigarettes. Findings of the present study show that a successful anti-smoking policy should be targeted primarily at individuals who spend a large amount of money on cigarettes.