An eminent health expert has underlined the need for the country to come up with a law that will restrict public smoking.

George Jobe made the call as the country today joins the global community in observing World No Tobacco Day which falls on 31 April 2018.

He said if the policy is developed it will save a lot of nonsmokers from developing and dying of tobacco-related illnesses.

“People smoke in public places and this puts non-smokers at a disadvantage because they are at higher risk of developing heart and other cardiovascular diseases.”

“We appreciate the word of caution on cigarette packets, “Smoking is hazardous to your health”, so whoever smokes knows what is at stake.”

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the theme for this year is; “Tobacco and heart disease”.

Malawi is not a Party to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control as such there are no restrictions on smoking.

Smoking is allowed in indoor public places, indoor workplaces, and on public transport.