MANDATORY PICTORIAL HEALTH WARNINGS ON CIGARETTE PACKETS STARTING JUNE 1

PUTRAJAYA, May 27 (Bernama) -- Starting June 1, all cigarette packets and
packages sold in the country must display pictorial health warnings on illnesses
caused by tobacco, said director-general of health 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 Wednesday.

Dr 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