The variety of male smokers in Cambodia has fallen by almost a 3rd over the past decade, in keeping with a government report, while the variety of female smokers has almost halved.
The data shows that ten years ago, 48.98 per cent of men aged 18 and over smoked, which has now fallen to 35.3 per cent.
According to a report by the National Center for Health Promotion, published yesterday, in the identical period the proportion of girls who smoked dropped from 20.53% to 11.6%.
The report says there are 1.68 million cigarette smokers in Cambodia, mostly low-income earners. About $200 million is spent on cigarettes annually, while about $163 million is spent on treating tobacco-related diseases.
The report added that about 60 percent of non-smokers in Cambodia say smoking within the workplace and in public places has a negative impact on them.
Health Minister Mam Bunheng said tobacco smoking is an obstacle to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals since it harms public health, the economy and the environment.
“The Ministry of Health wants to introduce a smoking ban at work and in public places, ban tobacco advertising and put an end to sponsorship and promotion by tobacco manufacturers,” he said.
Dr Bunheng added that officials also need to strengthen warnings and pictures printed on tobacco products and expand public health campaigns to discourage smoking.
In March last yr, the Council of Ministers approved a regulation banning smoking and tobacco use in public places and introduced fines for insulting people and businesses.
The sub-decree, which enters into force 11 months after tobacco control act was passed by the National Assembly and prohibits the usage of tobacco products within the workplace and public places similar to restaurants, hotels and public transport.
Violators will likely be fined 20,000 riel ($5), while establishments that fail to display no-smoking signs or are caught providing ashtrays to customers will face a advantageous of fifty,000 riel ($12.50).
Last month, the Southeast Asia Tobacco Control Alliance called on the federal government to extend taxes on tobacco to enhance public health and reduce poverty within the country.
Source : Khmer times | Phnom Penh Post Office
