SHAH ALAM, MAY 25: The age limit to buy and sell cigarettes will be increased to 21 years old with the drafting of a new law, said Deputy Health Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Hilmi Yahaya.
He said the new regulation will be implemented through the Tobacco and Smoking Act (including electronic cigarettes) which is currently being drafted.
He said, the act, replacing the 1983 Food Act relating to Regulations for Tobacco Product Control contains prohibition to buy and sell cigarettes for those aged below 21, will be tabled in Parliament next year.
“Now, those aged 18 and below are merely unable to buy cigarettes but they can sell them. Hence the new law will tighten the rules by prohibiting buying and selling for those aged below 21 years old,” he said.
He said that to the media yesterday after the National Level Launching Ceremony of ‘Nafas Baru Bulan Ramadan’.
Explaining on the age limit, Dr Hilmi said before 21 years old, human brain is still in development stage and the habit of smoking is harmful at this stage.
Hilmi also said the Quit Smoking Service (mQuit) programme implemented last year attracted over 10,000 smokers who came forward for advise and treatments to quit.
*Source: BERNAMA
Age limit to buy and sell cigarettes to increase
