I AM writing in response to the report, 'Wanted: Your views on smoking laws' (my paper, Aug 3).

While I applaud the authorities for coming up with proposals to curb smoking, I feel that more could be done.

If the maximum limits on tar and nicotine in cigarettes are lowered, this might encourage people to smoke, as cigarettes could be seen as less harmful.

Those who were considering taking up smoking might also see this as an excuse to do so.

Smokers know smoking is bad for health, but are not able to kick the habit.

Therefore, the authorities should find out more about what drives people to smoke, rather than attempt to curb smoking.

What alternatives are available to smokers?

Imposing fines does not tackle the root cause of the habit.

While the proposals may have an impact on smokers, more needs to be done in schools to discourage smoking among students.

Perhaps the Ministry of Education could start educating children from a young age about the dangers of smoking.

Getting the message to them early would definitely go a long way towards discouraging them from picking up smoking.

Implementing the proposals would not stop smokers from lighting up.

Mr Yong Kong Peng

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