Report: Digital tracking can be part of anti-tobacco act

A report today indicated that a digital tracking system could be introduced as part of the proposed new-tobacco act and the “Generational End Game” plan to ban the use, possession and sale of cigarettes and vape products for those born after 2007.

Quoting sources, The Star’s StarBiz section named two companies – Green Packet Bhd and Privasia Technology Bhd – as seeking the Health Ministry’s approval for the new system.

The companies are proposing an end-to-end system called Tobacco Track and Trace (TTT), under which a security label will be introduced for tobacco products. The label is said to contain a “multi-level of security with ultra-thin definition image enabling three levels of authentication”.

The source said that if the project were to be approved, it was also likely to be awarded through direct negotiations and not through open tender.

It is understood that the proposed new system is aimed at combating the trafficking of illicit cigarettes in Malaysia, but the source said that it is unlikely to be effective.

“This tracking system will only add on to the cost that will eventually be passed on to consumers. We already have a tax stamp on cigarette boxes that is digitally enabled,” said the source.

Earlier it was reported that the Health Ministry was considering several mechanisms to monitor the sale of all types of tobacco products, including the use of QR codes. - Mkini