Plain packaging does not work

AS Malaysia and the Philippines consider plain packaging for cigarettes following its introduction in Singapore at the start of this month (“Tobacco product packaging to be standardised from July 1”, The Straits Times, June 30), Australia has released data that confirms the controversial policy has failed to transform the country’s smoking rates for the better.

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare released the 2019 National Drug Strategy Household Survey this week. This survey has become a vital indicator of the performance of government health policies, including tobacco control.