Malaysia to ban cigarette price discounts

A ban on retail cigarette price discounts is to be one of a number of new tobacco regulations to be introduced in Malaysia, according to a story in The Star.

Smoking bans are to be extended to take in all roofed areas; so covered walkways will be included.

In addition, maximum cigarette tar and nicotine deliveries will be reduced in two phases from the current 20 mg and 1.5 mg to 10 mg and 1 mg by 2015.

At the same time, graphic warnings will be increased in size so as to take up half of the front panel.

And a ban will be imposed on all direct and indirect tobacco-products promotions.

Health Minister, Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam, has discouraged any parties, including NGOs, from getting direct or indirect sponsorship from tobacco companies.

He said tobacco companies should not be allowed to use corporate social responsibility programs as a tool to promote their brands.

“The sponsorship may be for a noble cause but we don’t agree with the source,” he said.