Tag - Non-Communicable Diseases

Govt considering raising tobacco tax

PUTRAJAYA: The government is considering a proposal to increase the tobacco tax, says Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. Anwar, who is also the finance minister, said the proposal aligns with the government’s commitment to public health and fiscal reform, particularly given the long-standing moratorium on tobacco tax hikes. Malaysia’s tobacco tax currently accounts for 58.6% of retail prices. The country...

Unhealthy lifestyles a leading contributor to deaths in Malaysia, says deputy minister

PUTRAJAYA: Seventy-three per cent of deaths in the country are caused by non-communicable diseases (NCDs) closely linked to unhealthy lifestyles, says Deputy Health Minister Lukanisman Awang Sauni. In his speech when officiating the 2023 national-level "Bulan Malaysia Sihat Sejahtera” (BMSS) celebration here on Friday (Sept 8), he said nearly half of the population is unaware that...