Malaysia to ban tobacco advertising

Malaysia to ban tobacco advertising

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia will ban all forms of tobacco advertising and sponsorship next year, giving temporary exceptions to the money-making Formula One grand prix and soccer events, Health Minister Chua Jui Meng said Tuesday.

The ban, starting Jan. 1, aims to help the government control an alarming increase in smoking, Chua told the official Bernama news agency.

"Based on experience from a few countries, as soon as a tobacco firm pulls out from a sporting event, other industries will take their place in the form of sponsorship," Chua said.

The annual Malaysian leg of the Formula One grand prix series and popular football events would be given temporary exemptions, pending further discussions.

Chua said three major tobacco firms -- British American Tobacco, Japan Tobacco Industry and Philip Morris -- had announced their willingness to drop all forms of promotion and product advertisements by the end of the year. -- AFP