The Ministry of Health (MoH) is considering imposing taxes on instant noodles, chocolates and other food products as part of the efforts to reduce the risk of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among the public.
Minister of Health Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham bin Haji Jaafar highlighted this at the 21st Legislative Council (LegCo) session in response to a question from LegCo member Yang Berhormat Haji Salleh Bostaman bin Haji Zainal Abidin on the impact of the sugar tax and the possibility of taxing other food additives contributing to NCDs.
“The cross-functional team for Improving Brunei’s Food Environment is assessing the need to impose taxes on other food items,” the minister said. On the impact of the sugar tax, he noted that its introduction initially led to a decline in sugary drink consumption and an increase in water intake. However, he observed that over time, consumption of sugary drinks has risen again, prompting amendments to the law under which Royal Customs and Excise Department now taxes all sugary beverages. – James Kon
