This might be a blessing in disguise for those non smoker as
Malaysian Smoker Need To Pay More for Cigarettes
It was announced by the 2 major cigarette company, JT International Bhd (JTI Malaysia) and British American Tobacco has just recently announced that all the cigarette brands under them will see an increase in price due to the Sales and Service Tax (SST). This will be implemented in 1st September
If you’re not familiar with the brands, then here is the lists of brands under JTI are namely:
- Mevius
- Winston
- LD
And as for BAT, brands they carry include:
- Dunhill
- Pall Mall
- Kent
If you’re wondering what’s the the current price of a 20-stick pack costs about RM12 to RM17.
On the GST zero-rated back in June, The cigarette prices had not been revised as they were following directives from the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Health as they are not encouraging people to smoke.
As according to Managing Director of JTI Malaysia, Cormac O’Rourke said to The Star,
“The introduction of the sales tax at 10 per cent for tobacco products in Malaysia translates to a price increase for all our cigarettes brands, taking into account the incremental rate differential from the previous Goods and Services Tax (GST) rate levied on cigarettes.”
O’Rourke said the company was disappointed that the government had not reverted to the 5% sales tax rate imposed from before GST introduction. He’s has mentioned that he has concerns as this upcoming tax-led price increase will only cause cigarettes to be more expensive and in turn, many Malaysians will turn to illegal cigarettes instead.
If you’re wondering, these illegal cigarette boxes only cost RM3 per pack vs the current RM17!
Not a good news at all for those smoker but good news for non smokers. There would be a price increase again so if you’re a smoker, might as well take this opportunity and just quit smoking!