The Clearinghouse for Tobacco Control welcomes the 13 percent increase in tobacco taxes during the tabling of the 2006 Budget by Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi on Friday.

We would have preferred the tax to be higher considering the fact that cigarettes are not an essential consumer item.

Moreover, we have to brace for tough times considering the current global economic scenario where the cost of living my increase, triggered by high oil prices. It is an economic reality and smokers should consider giving up smoking.

It is pertinent to point out that a 20-stick pack smoker may spend more than RM200 per month and this amount could be better used to stretch their monthly budget on food and other essential items.

Their families deserve better rather than having that amount spent by one person on something that leaves behind nothing but ashes.

Smokers may argue that their habit gives them pleasure. But this pleasure is at the expense of the family and this is something we have to think about.

The writer is attached to the Clearinghouse for Tobacco Control, National Poisons Centre, Universiti Sains Malaysia.