Govt may ban cigarettes in small packs
KOTA KINABALU - The government is considering banning the sale of cigarettes in small packs to discourage smoking, especially among youths, said Health Minister Chua Soi Lek.
Dr Chua said the move was appropriate as it would make it harder for youths to buy cigarettes.
Advertisement
'We are also considering banning the sale of loose cigarettes in public places,' he said after opening the 32nd Malaysia Youth Movement annual meeting at the Sabah Trade Centre in Likas near here yesterday.
Dr Chua also slammed cigarette agents who used youngsters, especially primary schoolgirls, to sell cigarettes.
This practice is currently prevalent in certain states in Malaysia.
However, he said that in a recent dialogue with cigarette companies, the corporations had promised to look into the matter and stop their agents from continuing the practice.
The minister said the amendment to the Tobacco Act would also include more public areas as no-smoking zones.
'As soon as it is passed, we will ensure each pack of cigarette includes a note on the dangers of smoking. When smokers open the pack, they can read all about the harmful things related to the habit,' he said. -- Bernama
Malaysian Medical News: keeping you up to date with news sourced from various online sites, put in one place for your convenience, with a searchable archive
No comments:
Post a Comment