Cambodia warnings to go graphic

Graphic health warnings will soon have to be included on all cigarette packs sold in Cambodia, which, as of that date, will become one of the last countries – along with Laos and Burma – in the region to require such warnings, according to a story in The Cambodia Daily.

From July 23, smokers will be confronted with an image either of a lung cancer patient or of a new born baby damaged by second-hand smoke, the government announced at the Effective Tobacco Packaging and Labeling conference in Phnom Penh yesterday.

Dr. Mom Kong, director of the Cambodia Movement for Health, a co-organizer of the conference, said the images would have to cover 50 percent of the front and back of the packs and be accompanied by an anti-smoking message that is written in Khmer, easy to read, clear and irremovable.

The Health Ministry will approve a list of acceptable warnings each year.

The new regulations will be backed by fines ranging from four million riel (about $1,000) for manufacturers and importers to two million riel for wholesalers.

Cigarette manufacturers were given nine months to comply with the requirements which were set out in an October sub-decree.

Mark Schwisow, country director for the Adventist Development and Relief Agency, which works to reduce tobacco use in Cambodia, said the new warnings would be particularly important for rural smokers, who might not have received much information on the harmful effects of smoking.

“I think it is an important move, as it allows people to better understand and make their own decision on the implications of smoking,” he said.

The announcement comes after Laos approved last week a plan to put graphic warnings and messages on cigarette packs starting in October.

Burma is due to require packs to carry such warnings by September.