29 August 2003
MAKNA supports suit against tobacco firms

The National Cancer Council (Makna) support the Government's move to make provisions that will allow the public to undertake suits against tobacco companies.

President Datuk Mohd Farid Ariffin said Makna had tried to undertake suits against several tobacco firms but that the law had been an obstruction in the past.

Mohd Farid said the laws in the United States of America enabled the public to successfully undertake mega-sized suits against tobacco companies there.

"Suits against tobacco producers in America reached billions of dollars and there will be no difference if it's made possible here," he said.

"We have been waiting for this here and Makna will have to think hard about this matter and discuss it over with lawyers here," he said after the closing of the Education Ministry's 2003 One Sen Campaign closing ceremony here.

Mohd Farid also urged the government to impose higher tobacco and cigarette tax to reduce local consumption.

Source by: Bernama, August 29, 2003