Fourfold jump in quit-smoking calls fans fears

Legislative Council member Rebecca Chan Hoi-yan has called on the government to enhance its assistance to people who decide to quit smoking due to a significant increase in calls received on the smoking cessation hotline after the tobacco tax was raised to 70 percent.

The average price of a pack of cigarettes is now at least HK$94.

Chan, a food safety and environmental hygiene panel member, said the price jump may stress people out, leading to the increase in calls. The Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office of the Department of Health revealed that after the tobacco tax hike was announced in the budget on February 28, the weekly average number of people calling the hotline has risen by nearly four times when compared to three months ago.

Chan expressed concern over whether the government will follow up on the cases and determine how many people are successful in quitting smoking or how many eventually resumed smoking.

She said there is a need for continuous efforts to understand the reasons behind successful quitting and the challenges faced by those who do not succeed.

Chan also called for comprehensive tobacco control policies by "focusing on target groups, such as teenagers, and implementing measures to track families in order to prevent teenagers from smoking."

Chan also raised concerns about the smuggling of cigarettes and urged the government to disclose the resources invested in combating illicit cigarettes.

Peter Shiu Ka-fai, for the wholesale and retail sector, said "the government should focus on better education and promotional efforts instead of solely relying on increasing tobacco duty."

He argued that while raising prices may reduce the smoking rate, it is important to inform smokers about the harmful effects of cigarettes and respect their choices.