Health Minister expresses alarm at new oral forms of tobacco
Posted: 08 April 2010 1452 hrs
SINGAPORE: Health Minister Khaw Boon Wan has expressed alarm at
the emergence of various oral forms of tobacco, also known as smokeless
tobacco. These include dissolvable smokeless tobacco strips that give a
nicotine fix without smoke.
In his latest blog entry, Mr Khaw cited a Wall Street Journal report
that highlighted how Reynolds American Inc, the maker of the Camel and
Pall Mall brands of cigarettes, was countering its falling cigarette
sales by offering a range of smokeless alternatives, including strips
and lozenges.
The report also quoted Reynolds' CEO as saying: "I believe these
products can drive our sustainability into the future".
Mr Khaw fears that such dissolvable products could take the form of
nicotine candy targeted at children, potentially making them life-long
addicts.
Not only do these products appeal to women, Mr Khaw noted that they also
enable smokers to continue their habit in smoke-free places such as
offices.
In light of this, Mr Khaw said there is a need to amend the Tobacco
Control Act and a Bill will be introduced soon.
Even the title of the current Act, the Smoking (Control of Tobacco) Act,
has to be amended to "reflect the new reality", he wrote.
levy the tobacco products so high that some will quit as they cant afford for the long term. you can boasts you revenue at the same time.