PUTRAJAYA, 27 May 2009: Starting 1 June, all cigarette packets and packages sold in the country must display pictorial health warnings on illnesses caused by tobacco, said director-general of health Tan Sri Dr Mohd Ismail Merican.
The implementation of the compulsory requirement was in accordance with the Control of Tobacco Products Regulations (Amended) 2008, he said.
“Action will be taken against those found selling cigarettes that do not display pictorial warning labels and those found guilty can be fined RM10,000 or two years jail or both,” he said in a statement here today.
Mohd Ismail added that such warnings must also be prominently visible without any obstruction.
Implementation of this ruling has been carried out in stages since January whereby cigarette companies were required to display such warnings on at least two brands from their range of products and since March, they were required to display such labels on all packets and packages, he said.
The enforcement is part of the government’s initiative to discourage prospective and addicted smokers. — Bernama
Andrew I says
Why don’t we take this to its logical conclusion? New cars should also carry pictures of devastating accidents so that the next time you get into your car, you’ll drive more carefully.