Gov’t pledges to build a smoke-free Macau despite enforcement challenges

The government acknowledged recent challenges in tobacco control, while civic leaders warned of enforcement difficulties with some local laws, and authorities said they will proceed step by step toward the long-term goal of a smoke-free Macau.

Public consultation on amendments to the Tobacco Control Law is currently under way. Ahead of the 32-day consultation period, authorities late last year established no-smoking zones at the entrances of three schools and one nursery and introduced a smoke-free area around Dr. Carlos d’Assumpção Park in NAPE, measures they say have received a “positive” public response and provided a useful reference for the legislation.

Authorities also revealed that the area around Dr. Carlos d’Assumpção Park will pilot partitioned smoking booths designed to accommodate three to four smokers each, with partitions high enough to limit smoke dispersion.

If the trial proves successful, the model may be incorporated into the Tobacco Control Law and rolled out to other high-traffic areas.

Speaking on public broadcaster TDM yesterday, Cheang Seng Ip, deputy director of the Health Bureau (SSM), outlined five priority measures for the amendment.

These include expanding no-smoking zones to cover selected high-traffic areas; banning nicotine pouches, herbal cigarettes, hookahs, and other emerging or circumvention products; and prohibiting possession of e-cigarettes and related items in public places.

He also proposed introducing standardized tobacco packaging with larger graphic health warnings, and authorizing health inspectors to carry portable audio-visual recording devices to assist in evidence collection during incidents or violations.

Cheang said authorities have faced new challenges in tobacco control in recent years, citing “a slowdown in the decline of smoking rates,” “increased secondhand smoke exposure from pedestrians who smoke while walking,” and “the rise of emerging products – such as e-cigarettes, nicotine pouches, herbal cigarettes, and hookahs – that may entice adolescents.”

He added, “Input from various social sectors and the industry will provide valuable reference for refining the proposed legislative amendments.”

Calls for a comprehensive smoking ban and tougher penalties dominated yesterday’s radio programme, with many members of the public urging measures to make smoking less convenient and thus reduce smoking rates.

Some smokers, however, said an expanded ban would unduly restrict their freedom of movement. Authorities said short-term priorities include regulating densely populated areas and stepping up public education to curb smoking while walking.

On the issue of inspectors using body-worn cameras, Cheang clarified: “The cameras will only be activated during enforcement operations when conflicts arise or when law-enforcement officers face physical threats. The individual involved will be notified in advance before the camera is turned on. Regarding the handling of recorded footage, the current recommendation is to delete it within seven days unless there are special circumstances.”

Notably, tobacco taxes in Macau currently account for roughly 60% of the retail price – for example, a pack priced at about MOP30 carries taxes equivalent to roughly 60% of that sum – a level still below World Health Organization recommendations.

Authorities warned that steep tax increases could spur cross-border purchases and smuggling given lower prices in neighbouring mainland China and Hong Kong, and said tobacco taxation falls under broader fiscal policy rather than the immediate scope of the Tobacco Control Law revision; any change would require a holistic assessment by relevant departments to balance public-health objectives against smuggling risks.

Meanwhile, the authorities confirmed that Macau’s no-smoking zones extend 10 metres from bus stops, schools, and other public locations – roughly three metres greater than Hong Kong’s –aiming to limit secondhand smoke exposure for those waiting nearby, and said they will advise repositioning public amenities, like waste bins, to lessen passenger disruption.

Yesterday’s radio programme also featured proposals from local civic leaders, who recommended deploying technological tools – such as AI recognition and open online reporting platforms – to boost enforcement efficiency while expanding smoking restrictions.

They also urged future healthcare clinics to collaborate with community centres to offer personalized smoking-cessation appointment services for those seeking to quit.