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PETALING JAYA: Japan Tobacco International Bhd (JTI Malaysia) has praised the government’s announcement on enhancing efforts to combat the illicit cigarette trade in Malaysia.
In a statement, JTI Malaysia Managing Director Cormac O’Rourke welcomed the strengthening of the Multi-Agency Task Force with the participation of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and the National Financial Crime Center.
“We believe that this task force is the right vehicle to combat the black economy,” he said, referring to the announcement made during today’s federal budget presentation.
He added that they were particularly happy with the announcement that cigarette transshipment will be limited to certain ports, as they cite transshipment as a loophole that has been exploited for many years.
“These are necessary steps to address a key smuggling channel of smuggled cigarettes that has caused massive losses to the country over the years,” he said.
O’Rourke added that the government’s decision not to increase the excise duty on cigarettes will ensure that consumers are not forced to buy illegal tobacco and vaping products due to current economic constraints.
“We also hope that the government will accelerate the implementation of the new measures against illicit tobacco.
“Any recovery of the tax revenue lost by Putrajaya will also help the government financially,” he said.
