KUALA LUMPUR: The Addiction Medicine Association, Malaysia (AMAM), and the Federation of Private Medical Practitioners Associations, Malaysia (FPMPAM), are calling on the government to raise the excise tax and minimum price of cigarettes.
FPMPAM believes that increasing both measures will help curb tobacco consumption, boost government revenue, and support tobacco control initiatives.
"We urge the government to increase the minimum price of cigarettes, which has remained stagnant at RM12 per pack since 2020," said Dr. Shanmuganathan Ganeson, President of FPMPAM.
He recommended raising the price to RM13.00 or RM13.50 to strengthen tobacco control measures and further reduce smoking rates.
"Increasing the excise tax on cigarettes is also essential to achieving our 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.
"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."
He also proposed a structured, annual increase in the excise tax to provide a sustainable method for reducing tobacco use while reinforcing public health objectives.
Dr. Steven Chow, President of AMAM, echoed the call for these measures to be included in Budget 2025, emphasising their importance in reducing smoking rates and improving public health in Malaysia.
He said that these actions, along with broader tobacco control efforts, will help protect future generations from the dangers of smoking and align with the nation's commitment to safeguarding the health and well-being of its citizens.