Whats under the Tobacco Order?

Some key restraints under the order are:

* The import or sale of cigarette packs which contained less than 20 cigarette sticks is prohibited.. Failure to comply will result in a fine of $10,000 or six months' jail..

* The use of cigarette pack dispensing machines is forbidden..

* Advertisements of tobacco products in any form, such as ashtrays or posters which contained brand names of these products is illegal..

* Under s9, Retailers selling to those under the age of 18 are liable to a fine of $5,000 and the minor purchasing the product can be fined $10,000 or serve a six month jail term..

* Under s6, sale,of articles designed to resemble tobacco is also subject to a fine of not exceeding $5,000 or $10,000 for subsequent convictions.

* Under s7 & s8, sales promotion via sponsorship free gift, distribution of any free sample tobacco products is punishable by fine exceeding $10,000, imprisonment not exceeding six years or both with $20,000 for subsequent convictions.

* If anyone below the age of 18, smokes or chews any tobacco in public places, or has in his possession any tobacco products whether for his own use or not, would be liable for punishment with a fine not exceeding $500 and $1000 for subsequent convictions.

* A licence is mandatory for the import and sale of tobacco products under the Tobacco Laws 2007.. An annual fee of $2,500 is required to attain the licence.. Any violation of the Tobacco Order 2005 or the Tobacco Laws 2007 will result in the suspension or cancellation of the retailer's or importer's licence..

Various places have also been banned to 'smokers' including the premises of government buildings and offices, educational institutions, recreational centres and restaurants.


Other measures taken:

Radio Television Brunei (RTB) had banned the broadcast of smoking advertisements since 1972 and on August 151990, the Ministry of Health proclaimed all buildings under the ministry including offices, hospitals and clinics as No Smoking Zones while on September 1, 1994, it became applicable to all government buildings.

According to the Customs Act 1990, with effect from January 1, 1991, cigarettes without health warnings on the pack were not allowed in the Sultanate and all schools were proclaimed tobacco free zones since January 1, 2002.

The Brunei International Airport, meanwhile, implemented 'smoke free flights' on April 1, 1998 and has prohibited smoking in the airport since 1999.

As a responsibility of the country to enforce the Tobacco Act 2005 Ministry of Health has formed a special, Tobacco Control Unit on July 17, 2007 under the Health Services Department.

Courtesy of:
The Brunei Times
The Borneo Bulletin