KUALA LUMPUR: Increasing tobacco taxes and enforcement are among the most effective measures to curb smoking and the use of tobacco products in line with the “Endgame 2045” initiative, says the Malaysian Council for Tobacco Control (MCTC).
Its president Prof Dr Murallitharan Munisamy said tax increases were among the most effective public health policy instruments to reduce smoking, particularly among the youth and low-income groups.
“However, to ensure price hikes are truly effective and not manipulated by the illicit market, comprehensive and coordinated enforcement must be the primary foundation of their implementation,” he said in a statement.
Global studies also showed that price increases through taxation were capable of reducing smoking initiation rates among adolescents, encouraging smokers to quit and reducing consumption among high-risk groups.
Dr Murallitharan dismissed claims that tax hikes would lead to more smuggling, saying instead that weak enforcement and governance are the main causes, based on the World Bank’s report.
Currently, tobacco product control functions are handled by several agencies, including the National Kenaf and Tobacco Board for retail licensing, the Health Ministry for smoking and advertising bans and the Customs Department for duty controls and tax marking.
According to the MCTC, this fragmentation of jurisdiction led to overlaps and resource constraints.
It suggested better coordination of enforcement powers at the local authority level with a clear mandate and sufficient resources.
