Increase In Cigarette Price Strengthens Smokers' Resolve To Quit

By Ibrahim Mahsen

SIBU, Oct 16 (Bernama) -- The increase in excise duty on tobacco products effective Nov 1, as announced under the Budget 2026 initiative, has motivated many long-time heavy smokers in Sibu to kick the habit.

Many of them, who started smoking in their teenage years, are now gradually cutting down on the number of cigarettes they smoke daily due to the increase.

For Eric Lo, 49, an instructor at a driving institute here, he sometimes puts a cigarette in his mouth without lighting it as a way to resist the urge to smoke.

“I have planned to quit smoking for many years, but not abruptly, because the craving is still strong. With cigarette prices continuing to rise, it seems I must strengthen my resolve to finally quit,” he told Bernama.

He added that growing older and declining health are also key reasons for him to reduce smoking to stay healthy, apart from wanting to save on daily expenses. 

On Oct 10, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced an increase in the excise duty rates on tobacco products and alcoholic beverages effective Nov 1, 2025, under Budget 2026.

Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, said this includes an increase of two sen per cigarette stick; cigars, cheroots, and cigarillos by RM40 per kilogramme; while heated tobacco products will see a RM20 increase per kilogramme of tobacco content.

Another instructor at the same driving institute, Majang Banggai, 51, said he spends about RM150 a month on cigarettes, and with the price hike, the expenditure will surely increase.

He admitted that quitting smoking is difficult as the habit is deeply ingrained, but he is now serious about quitting.

Meanwhile, a retiree, Saleh Napi, 70, said the rising cigarette price has become a strong incentive for him to end a habit he picked up in his youth.

“Actually, I’ve tried many times to quit smoking but never succeeded. This time, I hope it will finally stop. My pension isn’t much and I’m getting old. If I continue smoking, my health will surely be affected,” he said.

-- BERNAMA