CAP calls for higher cigarette tax in 2027 Budget
GEORGE TOWN: The Consumers’ Association of Penang (CAP) has urged the government to raise cigarette sales tax in 2027 Budget to curb smoking among young people.
Penang's Consumers Association (CAP) has called for a cigarette sales tax increase in the 2027 Budget to discourage smoking among young people, according to a recent report. CAP senior education officer and anti-smoking activist N. V. Subbarow highlighted the need for such a measure due to growing concerns about smoking among secondary and primary school students.
According to new statistics, 43,019 secondary school students and 341 primary school students were found to be smoking cigarettes, which is detrimental to maintaining a healthy nation. Subbarow pointed out that Malaysia currently has approximately five million smokers and 1.5 million vapers, suggesting that higher cigarette prices could make tobacco products less affordable, thereby discouraging young people from taking up smoking.
He emphasized that it was time for a mandatory sales tax on cigarettes, stating that higher prices could also encourage smokers to quit or reduce their consumption. Reducing smoking rates could lower government spending on treating smoking-related diseases, which he estimated to be around RM16 billion annually. Subbarow urged the prime minister, who serves as both prime minister and finance minister, to consider the health of the future generation when making decisions.
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