The Federation of Malaysian Consumers Association (Fomca) has urged the government to raise cigarette prices and also reduce nicotine and tar content in cigarettes.
"It's a wise move and the government should also think of educating the public from a young age," said Fomca's chief executive officer Datuk Paul Selvaraj.
He also suggested that advertisements on tobacco be banned as a way to reduce the number of smokers in the country.
It had been reported that the Health Ministry would in the next two weeks, seek public feedback online on its tough plan to discourage Malaysians from ruining their health through smoking.
Presently, cigarettes sold in Malaysia contains 20mg of tar and 1.5 mg of nicotine while in UK the tar level is 10mg and nicotine is capped at 1.0mg.
A spokesperson from the British American Tobacco when contacted said the company will wait for a decision from the government and declined further comment.
The proposal to increase the price of cigarette and lower the content of tar and nicotine drew mixed reaction from the public.
Imran Ismail, 33, agreed with the suggestion of reducing the amount of tar and nicotine in cigarettes.
"By reducing the amount of nicotine and tar, smokers will be less addicted to cigarettes."
Imran also said smokers should not be allowed to smoke in public areas and only in designated areas.
"There should be adequate enforcement to ensure they are penalised for not adhering to such a regulation. When smokers are isolated in public places, they would feel embarrassed and this might make them want to stop smoking," he said.
Sabrina Abbas, 28, disagreed with the suggestion saying that it would not stop her or any other smokers to quit smoking.
"Smokers will keep on smoking. Even if the price of goes up to RM50 per pack, I would still buy it," she said.
25-year-old Fred Ng also echoed similar sentiments.
“Smoking is still smoking. Whether the government reduces the nicotine and tar levels or not, it will not discourage people from smoking," Ng said.
Meanwhile, IT engineer Tan Ziwei said the public cannot rely on the government’s action alone to curb the smoking habit.
"The youngsters will always follow the footsteps of the elders. People should educate their children from a young age to ensure they do not pick up the smoking habit later in their lives."
Astro Awani
Fri Nov 09 2012
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.
Economic outlook: Govt plans to leverage, expand existing city transit system
The expansion aims to provide a more efficient and reliable public transportation network, reduce congestion, and improve accessibility.
Economic outlook: Budget 2025 to lay foundation for a digital-driven economy
The report said Budget 2025 will entail efforts to position Kuala Lumpur as a top 20 global startup hub by 2030 through the KL20 initiative.
Economic outlook: Corruption and lack of accountability hinder economic progress
Special Cabinet Committee on National governance is established to curb corruption, law reforms to modernise outdate regulations, MoF said.
National Wages Consultative Council will be strengthened
The govt will also incentivise hiring women returning from career breaks, offer job matching and improve care services facilities.
Economic outlook: Ensuring 11 years of compulsory education for all children
Budget 2025 will continue prioritising upskilling and retraining initiatives to equip workers with the latest skill sets necessary.
Consolidated public sector projected to record lower surplus of RM41.7 bil 2024
The MoF said the consolidated general government revenue is estimated to increase slightly to RM384.7 billion in 2024.
PM announces substantial Budget 2025 hastening Malaysia to become Asian economic powerhouse
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said it would create jobs and also tackle financial leakages to enhance public spending efficiency.