Pictorial warning from Dec 1

NST: KUALA LUMPUR: From Dec 1, all cigarette packs must carry a pictorial health warning on the front and back.
The pictorial warning must cover 40 per cent of the front of the cigarette box and 60 per cent of the back.
Health Minister Datuk Liow Tiong Lai said that the cabinet had decided on the move in January in order to bring Malaysia in line with provisions in Article 11 of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC).
"All manufacturers and distributors have six months from now to implement the changes. By Dec 1, all new stocks must bear the pictorial warning."
The ministry had six pictures with a clearly-written health warning that would be rotated every two years, he said after launching the national World No Tobacco Day celebrations at Bukit Jalil yesterday.
The ministry will enforce an immediate ban on descriptors such as lights, ultra lights, low tar or mild which create a false impression. Existing brand names that use these words will be allowed to continue to do so.
All sales promotions for cigarettes have been banned with immediate effect. Sales of cigarettes with premiums like lighters and the use of words such as "promotion", "promo", "discount" and "limited edition" are no longer allowed.
The ministry would work with Customs and the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry to tighten enforcement of the regulations and monitor distribution and retail.
Liow said National Service camps were now classified as smoke-free zones.
Those caught smoking in smoke-free zones would be fined between RM250 and RM5,000.
On MPs who light up in smoke-free zones in Parliament, he said action would be taken against them.
"Nobody is above the law. I have had complaints, so I advise the MPs to respect the law."