Earmarking this revenue, along with that collected from tobacco and alcohol, will help address the current shortfall in funding for NCD prevention programmes.
It is unfortunate that there was no announcement of the development of a long-term solution to healthcare financing such as a social health insurance scheme for all.
We recommend, as a pilot programme, that the Government earmarks an initial 5 percent from the collected sin tax revenue to strengthen NCD health promotion and treatment, focusing initially on diabetes and cancer.
Everyone is equally entitled to the rights and protections provided for under Malaysian law and that includes being able to walk about without having to fear being beaten up or subject to physical and mental harm.
The Pakatan Harapan Manifesto made a pledge to increase allocations and incentives to encourage the private companies and welfare bodies in the treatment of rare diseases, especially among the needy and families with children with special needs.