Muscat – Do you welcome the removal of tax on products that help people quit smoking? What other steps will encourage people to kick the habit? Here is what Muscat Daily readers said –

Hamad Al Balushi, Businessman

Yes, I welcome removing tax on products that genuinely help smokers quit. Cost can be a barrier for people who are already struggling with dependence. But taxation alone is not enough. We need stronger awareness campaigns, easier access to cessation clinics, counselling and support from employers. Families also have an important role in encouraging smokers without judging or embarrassing them.

Ayesha Al Hinai, Homemaker

I strongly support removing tax from products that help people stop smoking. Anything that makes quitting easier is positive. However, prevention should begin much earlier. Schools need stronger education about the long-term effects of tobacco, while parents should talk openly with children. Public places should also remain strictly smoke-free, protecting non-smokers and discouraging the habit. Regular social media videos from celebrities can also help.

Aymaan Al Rashdi, Engineer

Removing tax on smoking-cessation products is a welcome step because people trying to quit should not face additional financial pressure. I believe Oman can also expand free counselling and medical support through health centres. Quit-smoking campaigns should be more visible on social media and television, using real stories from former smokers. Support should continue beyond the first few weeks of quitting.

Salma Al Lawati, Healthcare professional

Yes, absolutely. If a product helps someone overcome nicotine dependence, making it more affordable makes sense. But smokers also need practical support. Doctors and pharmacists should actively guide people towards cessation options, while workplaces could introduce quit-smoking programmes. We should also focus on stress management, exercise and healthier routines, because many people associate smoking with coping with pressure.

Arun CK Kumar, IT professional

I welcome the removal of tax if these products are medically approved and genuinely help people quit smoking. The next step should be making professional advice easily available. Many smokers want to stop but do not know where to begin. Affordable counselling, nicotine-replacement options and follow-up support could make a significant difference. Public campaigns should also explain that quitting is achievable.

Anitha MP Reddy, Homemaker

It is a positive move because smokers attempting to quit should be encouraged rather than financially discouraged. I think workplaces can play a much bigger role by offering confidential counselling and wellness programmes. Social media campaigns could also be powerful, particularly among younger people. Most importantly, people trying to quit need patience and encouragement from their families, friends and colleagues.

Aasraf Mirza Khan, Businessman

I support the idea totally and would also like to have the officials of Pakistan take inspiration from Oman. Some other ideas can be to have a cap or limit to sell tobacco to an individual in a day. Also, there can be more LED screens showing the adverse impacts of smoking. People need to be constantly told about the ill effects of smoking.

Manahal Fatima, Student

Yes, I welcome removing tax on products that help people quit smoking, as this makes them more affordable. At the same time, taxes on tobacco products should be increased. Public awareness campaigns should highlight the serious health risks of smoking. Smoke-free laws should be strictly enforced, while nicotine patches, gum, counselling and support groups should be easily available. Schools should also teach the long-term dangers of smoking.