KUALA LUMPUR: A Malaysia consumer protection organization has called on the government to follow Australia's steps and establish a new law on cigarette packaging. The Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) on Thursday urged the government to crackdown on cigarette packaging in an effort to help spur changes in smoking rates in the country. CAP president S.M. Mohamed Idris said the move “made by Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard [and] was bold in the interest of the people and country despite criticisms from giant tobacco companies.” He added that the new law “should be practiced in the country because it is reported that more than 10,000 people die due to cigarette smoking each year.” The law under the “Tobacco Plain Packaging Act 2011″ to be effective in Australia in December required that no logo is displayed on the cigarette box, which would be replaced with a health warning.
