T

his refers to '€œHealth Ministry orders more bylaws against smoking'€, (The Jakarta Post, June 2).

I have to praise Health Minister Nafsiah Mboi for her relentless efforts to fight smoking and reinforcing her intentions by saying: '€œI call on governors, regents and mayors to use funds from tobacco taxes to start health-promotion programs.'€

Yes, this seems to be a good start along with raising the price of tobacco by 10 percent on cigarette manufacturers. But is that all? I doubt it will be enough because people will still ignore the '€œno smoking'€ rule until and unless there is law enforcement.

In this regard, enforcement refers to smoking in designated areas with proper no smoking signs and people who are caught are fined on the spot or are prosecuted.

I recall my visit to Johor Baru with a friend some years ago. I am a non-smoker.

While on our return leg, before boarding the train to Singapore, my mate had thrown his cigarette on the ground, stepped on it '€” and before he could lift his head up, an official (in civilian clothes) pulled him aside, took him to a sentry box and demanded a fine of 100 ringgit (US$30.97) for smoking in a non-smoking area and for littering.

Also, don'€™t try that in Singapore '€” they have CCTV all over the place '€” if they can'€™t get you for smoking they will for littering.

Nafsiah, please forget about ratifying the UN Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (UNFCTC) because it gets you nowhere. Even America has not ratified it '€” what'€™s so important about it?

I suggest you focus your effort on ensuring people in the country don'€™t flout your laws on no smoking areas and littering. Once your teams are seen in terminals for buses, trains, taxi stands, etc., word will spread that your ministry is very serious about stopping smoking.

Luwanto
Jakarta