The Take Care Forum (FTM) has challenged the government to bring down smoking rates among minors.
FTM director Ana Paula Sequeira said the government should pass specific laws in relation to the consumption of cigarettes and other drugs by minors.
”The government should set a policy to control the sale of cigarettes and drugs to children,” she said.
She said she had observe that many children had taken up cigarettes and harmful drugs which could take a permanent toll on their health.
Sequeira said Timor-Leste should follow the example of other nations which had laws which stipulated buyers of cigarettes must produce identification which showed them to be over the age of 18.
“But in our country such law don’t exist,” she said.
Timor-Leste father Jacob Zacarias Guimaraes called on the government to enact laws prohibiting the consumption of cigarettes to minors.
“When they smoke, they should be fined,” he said.
Member of Parliament Eladio Faculto called for parents to monitor their children and try to ensure they did not begin smoking or taking drugs.
“I also appeal to companies and store owners to increase the cost of cigarettes,” he said.
“If not, children will always come and buy them and this will have negative impacts on their health.”
