GEORGE TOWN: The Consumers’ Association of Penang (CAP) has expressed disappointment over the absence of a new cigarette sales tax in Budget 2027, citing the financial burden of smoking-related diseases on the government.
CAP education officer N.V. Subbarow said the government continued to spend millions of ringgit treating illnesses caused by cigarette smoking, making the lack of additional taxation a concern.
While acknowledging the financial assistance provided to Malaysians under next year’s budget, Subbarow said the absence of further cigarette taxation could undermine efforts to discourage smoking.
He warned that cigarettes remained popular among teenagers, students and young people, potentially increasing the risk of nicotine addiction.
Subbarow also expressed disappointment that Budget 2027 did not include any announcement on a further increase in cigarette excise duty.
CAP has repeatedly called on the government to raise cigarette taxes as a measure to curb smoking, particularly among young people.
The association said stronger measures were needed amid concerns about cigarette use among primary and secondary school students.
Recent statistics cited by CAP showed that 43,019 secondary school students and 341 primary school students were smoking cigarettes.
CAP believes higher cigarette taxes could help discourage tobacco consumption among young people while addressing the wider public health costs associated with smoking.
-NST
