TANGERANG ~

Starting Tuesday, all cigarette packets must bear images instead of only words so far to warn people about the dangers of smoking, Health Minister Nafsiah Mboi stated here on Monday.

“Starting tomorrow, the warning about the dangers of smoking that has so far been printed in words on every packet of cigarette must be replaced by pictures of the impact of smoking,” she remarked after visiting the regional public hospital in Tangerang, Banten province.

Nafsiah noted that all cigarette makers must withdraw their products, which do not have a warning picture on them, reminding that they were informed about the policy change since June, last year.

The Ministry of Health has also furnished five examples of pictures that can be put on each packet of cigarettes.

“The policy change is part of a campaign to curb the increasing number of smokers in the country that has reached 66 million. Since words have not been effective, they are now changed into a picture,” she pointed out.

The minister stated that the five pictures showing the effects of smoking were the results of a survey conducted by the Health Ministry in cooperation with state University of Indonesia.

Nafsiah hoped that the five pictures will act as a deterrent, and the people will give a second thought before they chose to smoke.

Cigarette makers who fail to comply with the policy will be given a sanction, which will be extended in stages ranging from oral, written, and others, she emphasized.

The change in the policy is expected to reduce cigarette smoking among youngsters and girls, Nafsiah noted.

“This is part of the efforts to save the younger generation from becoming addicted to the substance produced by cigarette smoke,” she added.