Hong Kong sees smoking prevalence rate drops to new low of 9.5pc

The Census and Statistics Department on Thursday revealed the city’s latest smoking rate was at 9.5 percent in 2021, dropping from 10.2 percent in 2019. It is also the first time the relevant percentage dropped to single digits on record.

The survey results showed that there were some 581,500 daily conventional cigarette smokers in 2021, accounting for 9.5 percent of all persons aged 15 and over in Hong Kong.

The survey also found daily conventional cigarette smokers consumed on average about 13 sticks of conventional cigarettes a day, the same as that in 2019.

Despite the overall statistic for those using tobacco products registered a drop, the number of people using e-cigarettes surged from 7,200 in 2019 to 17,500 last year.

Health secretary Sophia Chan Siu-chee said she expected the number of people using such alternative smoking products will decrease after authorities banned the import, manufacturing, sale and distribution of electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco items since April 30.

Meanwhile, Chan revealed that the government was planning to adopt a three-pronged approach in its control strategy, with reference to overseas experience.

These comprise looking into expanding statutory non-smoking areas, reducing the overall attractiveness of tobacco products and preventing young people from developing smoking habits.

The target is to lower the smoking rate to 7.8 percent by 2025, the health chief added.