Towards a Smoke-free Hong Kong: Final Action Needed

According to a report on Hong Kong Radio website on February 1st, the Hong Kong Smoking and Health Committee has stated that if the government is to achieve its target of a smoking rate of 7.8% by 2025, it should take ultimate action against tobacco. The definition of ultimate action is to cease the commercial use of tobacco and nicotine. This ultimate action has already been implemented in countries such as the UK, New Zealand, and Malaysia.

Henry Tong, chairman of the committee, stated, "Our committee's recommendation is that by 2030, the smoking rate in Hong Kong should be reduced to 5%. From then on, the government can take steps towards achieving a completely smoke-free Hong Kong.

In a radio program called "Hong Kong Today" on Hong Kong Radio, Tong expressed his intention to increase tobacco taxes in the upcoming budget. He stated that "currently, tobacco taxes in Hong Kong account for about 64% of the retail price, which is insufficient. The World Health Organization recommends that tobacco taxes should account for 75% of the retail price of tobacco products. Therefore, we propose that the Financial Secretary increase tobacco taxes to at least 75% of the retail price of cigarettes. This would help reduce the smoking rate in Hong Kong from approximately 9.5% to 8.8%.

Other measures proposed by Tong include expanding smoke-free areas to reduce secondhand smoke, banning flavors that appeal to women and young smokers, such as menthol, and increasing the warning labels on cigarette packaging from the current 85% to 100%. He also called for stricter enforcement by law enforcement agencies to combat cigarette smuggling.