Letters | A total ban on tobacco in Hong Kong is unrealistic – and unnecessary

Readers discuss the continuing efforts to realise a smoke-free Hong Kong, Russia’s own version of the Belt and Road Initiative, a possible role for museums, and the power of appreciation

Hong Kong society

Letters

Published: 11:30am, 30 Nov 2023

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New Zealand’s recent decision to walk back its plan to ban tobacco sales to young people should offer food for thought on Hong Kong’s own anti-tobacco efforts (“New Zealand’s tobacco ban repeal a blow to global anti-smoking efforts: critics”, November 28).

Following a 2½-month public consultation earlier this year, Hong Kong’s health authorities are studying people’s views on the 14 possible measures listed in the consultation document and mulling the next steps in their drive to curb smoking.

Going beyond the measures proposed, the University of Hong Kong’s medical school is calling for a complete ban on tobacco from 2030. While tobacco undoubtedly harms our health, do we need to go that far?

Hong Kong’s smoking rate has fallen from 22.3 per cent in 1982 to 14.4 per cent in 2002, to just 9.5 per cent in 2021. About half of the smokers are aged 50 or above. These numbers show that the government’s multipronged strategy of legislation, enforcement, smoking cessation education and taxation has been successful in preventing young people from picking up the habit. Why don’t we just let smoking die out naturally?

More importantly, a total ban will not stop smoking completely. Even if a total ban is implemented, it would be difficult to enforce. Instead of being sold at convenience stores, tobacco would be sold illegally on the black market, making control even more difficult. In effect, we would be taking money away from the government and putting it in the hands of criminals.

A total ban would also criminalise older generations who have been addicted to tobacco for some time and can’t simply stop.

Education remains the best way to stop people from smoking. Only when people are fully aware of the harms of smoking, to themselves and others, will they think twice before smoking.

Young people usually pick up smoking because they think it is trendy. When smoking is no longer considered cool, fewer people will smoke. We already see this happening. In the long run, changing attitudes is the least costly and most effective way to create a non-smoking generation.

Hong Kong is a free society; people can have different lifestyles. Given the effectiveness of the current government strategy, adopting a punitive approach to tobacco control is unnecessary. A complete ban on tobacco is unrealistic.

Christopher Ip, North Point

Good reasons for Russia’s approach to the belt and road

I refer to the article, “Putin is more ‘with’ than ‘in’ China’s belt and road plan, analysts say” (November 24).

As the Belt and Road Initiative connects Chinese producers with Western consumers, leaders of countries separating the two can at best be “with” but never “in”. But if many of them benefit only like a turnpike operator charging a toll, Russia has an additional incentive – the more goods from China sold abroad, the higher the demand for energy resources from Siberia.

Unlike Beijing’s belt and road, Moscow’s Greater Eurasian Partnership is less successful: the Eurasian Economic Community established in 2000 was terminated in 2014 and the same may happen to the Eurasian Economic Union established in 2015. That is because the member states rich in natural resources are like traders with similar wares between whom economic cooperation is questionable.

So the central plank of the Kremlin’s approach is political and not economic. We know how the policy is regarded in the West, but the fact that we hear crickets about it from Beijing speaks volumes.

Mergen Mongush, Moscow

Museums should help local artists sell their works

Your correspondent suggested making Hong Kong museums more accessible to the public (“Museums should plan better free entry days”, November 24). In this connection, I think museums should consider taking on an additional role to promote local contemporary art by allocating some space for local artists to sell their paintings and sculptures on consignment. This would provide exposure and income for our talented artists.

In addition, mainland visitors who are eager to make a meaningful purchase could bring home a genuine local artwork, instead of a souvenir that was made in their hometown.

Edmond Pang, Fanling

Don’t underestimate the power of appreciation

I refer to recent reports raising concern about mental health in Hong Kong, especially among its young people. In times like these, we can all bring positive influence by showing our appreciation of others.

I was a volunteer at my school’s open day earlier this month. The preparation for the event was challenging and exhausting, and I had a really hard time. But I was deeply touched when a teacher came to me and said, “Thank you, you have done a great job!” The moment I heard her kind words, I felt all the work I had done was indeed valuable.

A little appreciation can go a long way. It not only benefits the person being appreciated but also enriches the lives of those expressing gratitude.

Katie Wong Wan Tim, Kwai Chung