Malaysia: did the tobacco industry collaborate with media to defeat tax increase?

Nik Mohamed, Mohamad Haniki (2021) Malaysia: did the tobacco industry collaborate with media to defeat tax increase? Tobacco Control. ISSN 0964-4563 E-ISSN 1468-3318

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Abstract

It has been five years since Malaysia last had a tobacco tax increase. The 2021 budget, announced in November 2020, was an opportunity to correct this shortcoming and use one of the most cost-effective measures available to governments to reduce smoking. Instead, tobacco taxes remained static for the sixth year. The decision came in the wake of sustained media coverage which was remarkably favourable for the tobacco industry and its arguments opposing tax increases. In addition to aligning with tobacco industry framing, there was a distinct lack of public health voices in the extensive media coverage, as well as evidence of possible editorial interference to delay publication of advocacy in favour of the increase. Taken together, these issues raise questions about potential collaboration between the tobacco industry and media in Malaysia.

Item Type:	Article (Electronic Media)
Additional Information:	5123/88072
Uncontrolled Keywords:	tobacco industry, media, cigarette tax, Malaysia
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General) > H96 Public policy (General), Policy sciences
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Pharmacy Kulliyyah of Pharmacy > Department of Pharmacy Practice
Depositing User:	Professor Dr. Mohamad Haniki Nik Mohamed
Date Deposited:	28 Jan 2021 12:24
Last Modified:	28 Jan 2021 12:24
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/88072

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