In a significant advocacy push, the World Health Organization (WHO) representative in Cambodia, Ada Moadsiri, has called for an increase in the special tax on cigarettes. Speaking at the "Youth Forum on Tobacco Tax Measures" hosted by the Royal Academy of Cambodia, Moadsiri highlighted that the current tax rates are insufficient in deterring smoking habits or compensating for the healthcare costs associated with tobacco-related diseases.

The WHO representative criticized the tobacco industry's claims that higher taxes would harm low-income families and reduce state revenue due to a rise in black market activities. She branded these assertions as "delusions" aimed at thwarting tax increases.

Supporting the WHO's stance, Touch Chanthy of the Council for Economic, Social, and Cultural Affairs underscored the health benefits of such fiscal measures. Similarly, Sok Touch, President of the Royal Academy, noted the worrying trend of smoking among the youth, which threatens the country's human resources.

Mom Kong, Executive Director of the Cambodia Movement for Health, added that other nations have seen tax revenue boosts following similar tax hikes on cigarettes. This collective call aims to reshape public health policy towards greater fiscal measures against smoking in Cambodia.