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.