From: New Straits Times
KUALA TERENGGANU: The high cost of cigarettes is among the main causes of a glut in fake cigarettes being smuggled into the country.
The Domestic, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry’s enforcement director, Roslan Mahayudin said these cigarettes were sold cheaper than original cigarettes.
He said the opportunity was being used by irresponsible individuals to make easy money.
“Illegal cigarettes appeal to the public as their price is far cheaper. Normally, imitation cigarettes are sold at RM3.00 per packet and original cigarettes at around RM7.00 per packet.
“In addition, the high demand for these cigarettes by foreign workers here is another reason why an increase in fake cigarettes continues unabated,” he said after the closing of the Workshop on Illegal Cigarettes organised by the ministry at Riyaz Heritage, here, today.
This effort is part of the blue ocean strategy to enforce laws covering illegal cigarette sales under the Trade Description Act 2011 and Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011.
Roslan said from last year to this September, 175 cases of illegal cigarette sales were detected, resulting in a haul of RM117,800.
This illegal sales involved retailers all over the country and it was more widespread on the west coast where there was high demand for such cigarettes.
“Among the fake cigarettes that are in demand are Gudang Garam, John and Canyon which are smuggled in large amounts through Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Malacca and Penang,” he said.
Roslan said the ministry also detected more than 100 brands using false names and addresses for the manufacturers or importers.
