PUTRAJAYA: The excise tax of 40 sen per litre on sweetened beverages scheduled for implementation from July 1 will not affect drinks prepared and served at eateries, including Indian Muslim restaurants and food kiosks, said Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.
“At the moment, we (Health Ministry) are not regulating on those (eateries),” he said when asked whether the tax would be imposed on such eateries as the sugar content of drinks prepared and served was higher than those of factory-produced beverages.
The excise tax of 40 sen per litre on sweetened beverages was initially scheduled for implementation on April 1 but was postponed to July 1.
When tabling Budget 2019 last November, Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng had announced that the excise tax would be imposed on drinks containing more than 5gm of sugar or sugar-based sweetener per 100 ml, as well as fruit and vegetable juices with sugar content of more than 12gm per 100 ml.
“It is better to educate the public not to take coloured sweet drinks served in any restaurant,” said Dr Dzulkefly after launching the World Health Day celebration at the ministry today.
“That is the only way to encourage them not to take sweet drinks. Nothing by regulation.”
Dr Dzulkefly said the new bill on tobacco control, which was being drafted by the ministry, would include controls on liquid nicotine or e-cigarettes and vapes.
“The new bill will underline all regulations and controls on e-cigarettes and vapes, including the sales guidelines,” he said, adding that the bill was expected to be submitted to the attorney-general for approval by the end of this year. — BERNAMA