The Malaysian Women’s Action for Tobacco Control and Health (MyWATCH) has called for significantly higher tobacco taxes, a ban on recreational vaping and greater investment in disease prevention under Budget 2027, as the country grapples with unhealthy air quality from the current haze.
The group said the haze episode has highlighted the importance of protecting vulnerable groups from harmful air pollution, while warning that children and older persons may also face exposure to cigarette smoke and vape emissions inside homes. It urged Malaysians to make homes, vehicles and shared indoor spaces smoke- and vape-free.
Ahead of the tabling of Budget 2027, MyWATCH said the government should place greater emphasis on preventive healthcare as Malaysia faces rising non-communicable diseases, an ageing population and higher healthcare costs.
Among its main proposals is a substantial increase in tobacco excise duties, beyond the two-sen-per-stick increase introduced under Budget 2026. The group called for tobacco taxes to move towards an internationally recognised benchmark of at least 75% of the retail price, accompanied by stronger enforcement against illicit cigarettes.
MyWATCH also reiterated its call for a national ban on the commercial sale and distribution of recreational vaping products, arguing that flavoured and easily accessible products risk encouraging nicotine use among children and adolescents.
The group further wants Budget 2027 to allocate more resources to primary healthcare, health promotion, tobacco cessation services, school health programmes, healthy ageing initiatives and environmental health protection.
It proposed that part of any additional revenue raised from higher tobacco taxes be channelled towards prevention, cessation programmes and assistance for vulnerable communities.
MyWATCH said preventive healthcare should become a central pillar of national health policy, alongside stronger smoke-free protections and measures to reduce tobacco and nicotine consumption.
