Backbencher laments smokers getting a raw deal

A backbencher on Wednesday voiced his unhappiness that smokers were getting a raw deal and more like "third class" citizens in the country.

Datuk Hasbullah Osman (BN-Gerik), when taking part in the debate on the Supply Bill 2016 at the committee stage for the Finance Ministry in the Dewan Rakyat, said smokers were hit with a "double whammy" in that that they not only had to contend with rising prices of goods but sky-rocketing cigarette prices.

"When the prices of cigarettes go up ... we can't even complain. From RM13 (a pack) straight to RM17, not 50 sen as it used to be," he said, adding that he hoped smokers would be given more consideration like providing them "smoking corners".

However, he received little support from other MPs.

Opposition MP Datuk Dr Mujahid Yusof Rawa (Amanah-Parit Buntar) said he supported to government's move to hike cigarette prices saying the public had to put up with second-hand smoke which was a health risk.

Backbencher Dr Noor Azmi Ghazali (BN-Bagan Serai), who also touched on the matter after the debate, said hiking cigarette prices was a good move because tobacco was not an important item.