THE Addiction Medicine Association Malaysia (AMAM) together with the Federation of Private Medical Practitioners’ Associations Malaysia (FPMPAM) have called for the government to raise excise tax and minimum price for cigarettes.
According to FPMPAM president Dr Shanmuganathan Ganeson, increasing both the excise tax and minimum cigarette price will help curb tobacco consumption, boost government revenue and raise funds for tobacco control initiatives.
“We urge the government to increase the minimum price of cigarettes, which has remained stagnant at RM12 per pack since 2020,” he said in a joint statement on Monday (Sept 23).
“Raising the minimum price to a more accurate level of RM13.00 or RM13.50 will help strengthen the effectiveness of tobacco control measures and further reduce smoking rates.”
Dr Shanmuganathan noted that increasing the excise tax on cigarettes is also essential to achieving the nation’s public health goals.
“Higher taxes have been proven to reduce smoking prevalence, especially among youth and lower-income groups, who are most vulnerable to the harmful effects of tobacco,” he continued.
“By raising the cost of cigarettes, we can effectively decrease consumption, prevent new smokers from picking up the habit, and support long-term health outcomes for the population.
“This measure is not just about revenue; it’s a critical public health tool in the fight against smoking-related diseases.”
Dr Shanmuganathan said the government should also consider implementing a structured, predictable tax that increases annually at a fixed rate, which would provide a long-term, sustainable method for reducing tobacco consumption and reinforcing the country’s public health objectives.
“This will also send a clear message that smoking comes with significant health and financial consequences,” he added.
Calling for the government to include these adjustments in the forthcoming Budget 2025, AMAM president Dr Steven Chow said these measures are crucial towards reducing smoking rates and improving public health outcomes in Malaysia.
“These actions, combined with broader tobacco control efforts, will help protect future generations from the harmful effects of smoking and align with the nation’s commitment to safeguarding the health and well-being of its citizens,” he stressed. – Sept 23, 2024
Main image: The Star
