A directive by Burma’s Ministry of Health that cigarette packets must display mandatory warnings of health problems caused by smoking – in both text and pictures – came into effect on 1 September.

According to the directive, 75 percent of all cigarette packaging should display health warnings and graphic pictures depicting the dangers of smoking, and refrain from the use of slogans encouraging or making light the dangers of tobacco.

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The Department of Public Health said cigarette manufactures will be given a six-month education period – starting from 1 September – and those who continue to violate the regulations after this period will be subjected to legal punishment.

Burma adopted its Tobacco Control Law in 2006.

According to a survey in 2014, 26.1 percent of Burma’s population were smokers – 43.8 percent of the male population and 8.4 percent of female, and as well as seven percent of students.