KUALA LUMPUR, 16 Oct 2018:
With the retail prices of tobacco products expected to go up by the end of this month, the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry is gearing up to combat the anticipated increase in cigarette smuggling.
Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the ministry’s enforcement division, with its intelligence network and complaints from the public, had so far been doing a good job in curbing cigarette smuggling.
Discussions with tobacco companies found they were also willing to share information on smuggling hotspots at entry points, ports and the nation’s waters, he added.
“Based on information from the public or other agencies, the enforcement division will act swiftly to nab the culprits. The result is a high success rate.”
Earlier today, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad had announced retail prices of tobacco products are expected to go up by the end of the month due to the implementation of the Sales and Services Tax.
– Bernama