Malaysia to target contraband in shops

Malaysia is to crackdown on the illicit trade in cigarettes, which, it is claimed, is costing the government RM2 billion in tax revenue annually, according to a story in The Star.

The crackdown, which is to be led by representatives of the Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry, along with police and customs personnel, will focus on high-density industrial areas and construction sites.

Ministry enforcement director Roslan Mahayudin, said demand for contraband was high, even in rural areas; so illicit products were still readily available, despite “relentless operations.”

The director said that the task force was targeting cigarettes that had slipped past customs checks and ended up in shops and with street vendors.