Anti-tobacco efforts are not something new. These have been going on for the past 20 years or so, and have steeply escalated over the past few years.

NGOs do not merely 'have a lot of suggestions' as stated by our honourable Health Minister Dr Chua Soi Lek. Many have worked very closely with the Health Ministry for years in anti- smoking efforts. They have not merely given suggestions.

Preparations for tobacco farmers to switch to other cash crops should have been initiated much, much earlier. The government can compensate farmers who switch to other crops.

Tobacco is also being imported and not only produced locally. Even then, what percentage of the tobacco being produced locally is being used by the cigarette companies?

The authorities cannot go on like this swaying to and fro and pandering to the wants of the tobacco industry. The government must not yield to the pressure of tobacco companies and use Malaysian tobacco farmers as a scapegoat just to favour these companies.

The government must show the people that the war against tobacco is a serious one.

The writer is the president of the Consumers Association of Penang.