I REFER to recent reports that three shops had their tobacco licences suspended for six months for selling tobacco products to underage customers.

I applaud the move to clamp down on errant retailers, and I hope more checks will be conducted on retailers, especially those near youth hot spots.

Some convenience stores and coffee-shop employees are still quite relaxed about checking the ages of customers who look young, or are in school uniform.

Despite health warnings and scary images of the negative consequences of smoking printed on tobacco products, many people are still hooked on smoking.

I suggest that the legal age for smoking be raised from 18 to at least 20, that taxes on tobacco companies and retailers be increased, and that stricter penalties and enforcement be imposed.

Sometimes, teenagers ask their adult friends, relatives or even strangers to purchase tobacco products for them.

I hope that the authorities will bear this in mind while running checks on retailers.

However, education is most important in discouraging teenagers from smoking. Educators and parents should educate the young on the impact of smoking on health.

Adult family members at home should also be good role models by not smoking.

MR MUHAMMAD DZUL AZHAN HAJI SAHBAN

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