It is obvious that many people are hopeful that this latest 'Tak Nak' anti-smoking campaign will achieve success. This in spite of the fact that previous efforts have not achieved much progress, and the number of smokers continues to rise.

The fight against the smoking habit is going to be an uphill climb. There are so many negatives already present. For instance, it is known that about half of all Malaysian males smoke. Already, this critical group serves as a poor role model, especially for the youngsters. Children who watch their fathers and other male adults smoke will be attracted to imitate their actions.

In CAP programmes in primary schools, we have done quick surveys among primary school children to find out how many have been sent to buy cigarettes for their parents. It was found that, in many instances, almost all the children surveyed had been given this 'dirty' job to do.

Here we can see that children are already being exposed to cigarettes at an early age. Also, it clearly shows that the law preventing the sale of cigarettes to minors is not being enforced.

Aggressive advertising has its influence. Advertising pressure is very powerful. Although direct advertising is prohibited, indirect advertising is still very much alive. Sporting events are still being sponsored by cigarette companies, as in the case of the high profile sporting activity, Formula One racing. These companies also sponsor concerts and shows.

The brand names of cigarettes are emblazoned in so many places - on men's T-shirts, belts, wallets, holiday packages and the like. Items like key chains in the form of cigarette packets, with the brand names, are being sold without any constraint. Adults and youngsters are constantly being bombarded with cigarette name brands.

Movies and local dramas often portray their heroes smoking. There are also cases where characters in these movies and dramas are shown to smoke when they are moody, depressed or jobless. Youngsters are influenced by their heroes' actions. In addition to campaigns, the battle against smoking can best be fought with a multi-pronged approach.

For a start, all advertising in any form must be banned. This includes sponsorship of sporting events, concerts, etc. The promotion of cigarette brand names of cigarettes should not be

allowed anywhere, be it on clothing, accessories, ashtrays, card holders or holiday package promotions. The sale of items in the form of cigarettes or cigarette packets should not be allowed. CAP has found key chains in the form of cigarette packets and sporting the names of popular cigarette brands being sold openly in Penang.

Tobacco growing should be prohibited once and for all. Tobacco use must be attacked at its source. It is ridiculous to see the Health Ministry fighting against tobacco while other ministries in the government encourage tobacco planting and applaud when profits gained from tobacco are on the rise.

The government should be working as a whole to show their united stand against tobacco its abuse. Names such as 'light' and 'mild' should not be permitted on cigarette packets as this can give the impression that there is a safety factor involved, and encourage usage.

Effective health warnings, which cover at least 50 percent of the cigarette packets, must be placed on cigarette packets without any further delay. There has been talk of increasing the warnings on cigarette packets for a long time now, but the authorities have not taken action so far.

The current prices of cigarettes should be raised much, much more to serve as a sufficient deterrent to the majority of the population. At the moment, the cost of cigarettes is still very much within the means of most people. The purchase of cigarettes has also been facilitated by "mini-packs".

Smoking in all public buildings should be prohibited, and enforcement of this ban should be stringent. The law prohibiting the sale of cigarettes to minors should also be strictly enforced. Deterrent jail sentences and fines must be meted out swiftly. In addition, movies and dramas that depict the smoking habit should not be aired. Local dramas especially must be checked.

Co-curriculum activities in schools should include messages on the dangers of smoking. In CAP programmes in schools, we are constantly highlighting the fact that there are more than 4,000 chemicals in tobacco smoke - chemicals which are either carcinogenic, toxic or serve as irritants.

We also have exercises where children are encouraged to come up with their own anti-smoking posters and slogans. All these serve to imprint on young minds the importance of avoiding the smoking habit. The efforts against smoking so far are not achieving much. The smoking habit is successfully being promoted and new smokers are being recruited every day. It is alarming that teen and women smokers are increasing.

If this present campaign is to be truly successful, all the other measures, such as have been outlined above should be tackled simultaneously. Otherwise, all the millions allocated for this 'Tak Nak' campaign over the next five years may well go up in smoke.