In today’s Parliamentary session (February 24), Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who is also Finance Minister, has retabled the revised Budget 2023.
In his announcement, Anwar stated that the government have proposed the implementation of excise duty on liquid or gel products that contain nicotine, used in electronic cigarettes and vapes.
Despite nicotine-based vapes still not legal in the eyes of the law, it is still being sold vastly with revenue of more than RM2 billion. “It is better for it to be taxed to discourage vape usage,” said the Prime Minister.
Meanwhile, half of revenue from excise duties collected under the GEG law will be channeled to the health ministry.
The Budget 2023 has a total allocation of RM386.14 billion.
Stay tuned for more updates!
Also read: “Why would I lie?” – PM Anwar Defends His Stance on Talking About Corruption in M’sia When Abroad