Analysis
The regulations require that one of six authorized health warnings, with a graphic picture and accompanying text, appear on each packet and carton of tobacco products. For unit packages of cigarettes, the text and graphic warning must occupy 50% of the front of the package and 60% of the back of the package. The text of the warning is in Malay on the front panel and English on the back panel. These 12 warnings are contained in the Fifth Schedule.
For unit packages of tobacco products other than cigarettes, the text and graphic warning must appear on 60% of the front of the package. These 12 warnings are contained in the Sixth Schedule.
For cartons, the text and graphic warning must occupy 50% of the top panel and 60% of the bottom panel. The text of the warning is in Malay on the top panel and English on the bottom panel. These 12 warnings are contained in the Fourteenth Schedule.
In addition, a qualitative (descriptive) constituent and emissions message must appear on one side panel of cigarette packages and on the front or back panel for cartons.
The regulations require that each of the authorized health warnings appear as far as possible on an equal number of packaging of each brand and type of tobacco product.
To align with FCTC Art. 11 and the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines, the regulations should require health warnings on on the front and back panels of all tobacco product packaging. In addition, to align more fully, authorized health warnings should be updated every 12 to 36 months, in accordance with FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines para. 22.
