If you are a cigarette smoker, I’ve got bad news for you! The government has decided that they will consider raising the price of cigarettes to RM21.50 per packet from the current price of RM17 as a further measure to deter smokers.
The Malaysian government estimates that there are an average of five million smokers in the country. And despite spending an average of RM2 million a year since 2004 to discourage Malaysians from smoking, the reduction in numbers have been very small.
Source: The Star
“Although we have held numerous campaigns, unfortunately we are fighting against the odds. For example, we have declared rest and recreation areas to be restricted smoking areas, yet there are still people smoking there.”
– Deputy Health Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Hilmi Yahaya
Statistics shows that smoking among the under 18s went down to 24% in 2015 from 24.6% in 2011.
Source: Medical Xpress
The Tobacco Products and Cigarettes Bill which will be tabled next year also suggests other actions that the government will take, such as increasing the age limit to 21 for the purchase of tobacco products and to change the packaging of the cigarette boxes.
Besides, another new rule to be taken into consideration is to control cigarette advertisements in establishments that sell tobacco products.
Dr Hilmi said, “There is a cigarette shelf behind payment counter at many restaurants and this is a form of advertisement. We will study whether this form of advertising can be prohibited under the new bill.”
Source: Malay Mail
And if you feel like kicking the habit, there are 774 centres in government clinics, hospitals and institutions that offer free treatment to those who want to stop smoking!
With all these price increases, maybe it’s high time to stop lighting up that cigarette!
Also read: Malboro’s Tobacco Company Philip Morris Plans To Stop Selling Cigarettes
