Myanmar to ban betel nut chewing in public

Nay Pyi Taw: Myanmar authorities will launch a campaign to remove betel nut stands from public areas and tourist attraction sites as an initial step to cut its consumption, officials said on Sunday.

The campaign will be launched in metropolitan cities and big towns to keep them clean, the Ministry of Health and Sports said.

The project will include arrangement to substitute the business of betel nut selling with other vocations, said an official of the ministry, adding there will be further deterrent punishment if betel nut shops are found and spitting in prohibited areas, Xinhua news agency reported.

At the same time, the authorities are said to take steps to promote awareness of the danger of chewing betel nut which can cause oral cancer, throat cancer, gum cancer, tongue cancer and cavity cancer.

Myanmar is reported to have most cases of oral cancer in Asia.