18 June 2013,
SEATCA and MyWATCH (Malaysian Women’s Action for Tobacco Control & Health) held a Round Table Discussion“Protect Our Children: Turn-Off the Toxic TAPS”in Kuala Lumpur. A strong case was made for Malaysia to move forward and ban cigarette pack display at POS. Although advertising at POS is already banned in Malaysia the TI utilizes pack innovation and promotional launches of new packs at POS to circumvent this ban. A pack display ban will plug this loophole.
The participants also recommended: 1) full implementation of FCTC Article 13, 2) increase tobacco tax up to at least 70% of retail price, 3) enact Control of Tobacco Product Law in next 12-24 months) public policy on TI interference and 5) Strengthen collaborations between civil society, the academia and relevant government agencies.
The Round Table culminated in a press conference to present the participants decisions and TC measures proposed by the MoH. SEATCA Director, SIS focal point – MyWATCH President, WR WHO and Deputy DG, Ministry of Health Datuk Dr. Lokman Hakim Bin Sulaiman spoke at this joint press conference.
