Domestic production has increased to 4.4 billion cigarettes in the last fiscal year, from less than 1 billion cigarettes in 1992, to according to government statistics. From zero a decade ago, tobacco imports to Burma rose to more than 1,700 metric tons in 1996. General Maung Maung said the Burmese government was very concerned about the increased number of young smokers and had already begun imposing controls, such as a recent ban against tobacco advertising on television. Marlboro cowboys recently stopped riding across viewers' screens, but other brands still broadcast ads regularly on television despite the ban, and few in Burma come in contact with cigarette-pack health warnings. The cigarette companies say their advertising is aimed at adults and is intended to maintain brand loyalty or to entice those who already smoke to change brands.
Cigarettes are modern and free-style.
U Win Aung said that even strong health warnings would not deter him from smoking now.