In Malaysia, GATS was conducted in 2011 as a nationally representative household survey of persons 15 years of age and older using a standard core questionnaire plus country adapted questions, sample design, as well as data collection and management procedures. The Institute for Public Health (IPH) is the implementing agency for GATS Malaysia, in collaboration with the Tobacco Control Unit & FCTC Secretariat, Diseases Control Division, Health Education Division, Ministry of Health Malaysian and University of Malaya. WHO Geneva provided the financial support for conducting GATS Malaysia. A multi-stage stratified probability sampling design was used to select 426 enumeration blocks and 5112 living quarters for the survey. One individual was randomly chosen from each selected living quarter to participate in the survey. GATS was the first nationwide household survey by IPH to be conducted using handheld devices. Data collection was outsourced to a research company and this was the first time IPH outsourced data collection activity. Data collection was commenced immediately after training of field staff for a period of eight weeks; i.e. from 24 October to 18 December 2011. Data collection was via face-to-face interview using a structured, pre-tested questionnaire. There were a total of 4742 completed interviews. Data was analysed using sample weights which was approved by GATS Sample Review Committee. A Report and Fact Sheet were produced four months after data collection.