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 cigarettes. 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.
For cartons, the 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. 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 do not require health warnings on smoked tobacco products other than cigarettes.
The regulations require that each of the six authorized health warnings appear as far as possible on an equal number of packaging of each brand and type of cigarette. The current authorized set of health warnings came into effect in January 2014.
To align with FCTC Art. 11 and the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines, the regulations should require health warnings on all tobacco products, not just cigarettes. The regulations meet FCTC Art. 11 with respect to minimum size of the health warnings, in that both the front and back panel warnings occupy more than 30% of the surface area. However, to more fully align with FCTC Art. 11 and the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines, authorized health warnings should be updated every 12 to 36 months, in accordance with FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines para. 22.
