To combat the rising number of young smokers here, the Health Ministry will be gathering the public's view on whether to ban shops from displaying cigarettes.

The idea is for shops to keep these tobacco products hidden from view and to only produce them when smokers ask to buy a specific pack.

Smoking is on the rise in Singapore, with 14.3 per cent of adults here hooked on the habit. This is up from 12.6 per cent in 2004.

Health Minister Gan Kim Yong, who announced the public consultation on Saturday at the launch of the National Smoking Control Campaign, said the proposed ban aims to protect the young from the harms of tobacco advertising. "It will also help to reduce impulse purchases of tobacco products and provide a more conducive environment for smokers who are trying to quit," he said. To take part, submit your views at www.hpb.gov.sg/tobacco-public-consult