PUTRAJAYA, August 8 – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim expressed his support today for raising tobacco taxes, stating that he personally does not smoke and fully backs anti-smoking campaigns.
Responding to recent calls for a review of tobacco duties, Anwar said he agrees with the spirit of the proposal. Malaysia last increased cigarette excise duties by 42.8 per cent in 2015, but no further revisions have been made since, despite ongoing public health concerns.
In Budget 2024, Anwar’s administration introduced a 5 per cent excise tax on chewing tobacco, leaving cigarette taxes unchanged. A recent Merdeka Center survey found that 66 per cent of Malaysians support higher cigarette taxes if implemented gradually and predictably.
With the strongest backing from the 21–30 age group. As public health advocates renew pressure for stronger tobacco control measures, Anwar’s remarks may signal future policy shifts.
