Effective Nov 1, the government will raise the excise duties on cigarettes and alcoholic beverages as part of efforts to promote a healthier lifestyle.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said cigarette excise duties will go up by two sen per stick, and by RM40 per kg for cigars, cheroots and cigarillos.
He said heated tobacco products will also see a RM20 increase per kg of tobacco content, while excise duty on liquor products will go up by 10%.
“The additional revenue generated from tobacco and alcohol will be channelled to the health ministry, including for the KKM Lung Health Initiative and the treatment of diabetes and heart disease,” he said when tabling the 2026 budget today.
Separately, Anwar said the government has extended the import duty and sales tax exemption on nicotine replacement therapy products, including nicotine mist and nicotine lozenges, until Dec 31, 2027.
