Smugglers fast-tracking in Malaysia

Smugglers intent on delivering cigarettes to Malaysia are doubling the horsepower of their boats and using their extensive knowledge of channel systems in a bid to outrun Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) officers, according to a story in The Star.

The MMEA says, too, that the Malaysian-based smugglers are working with syndicates from neighbouring countries.

In a previous story, The Star said an Affin Investment Bank research report had Malaysia’s illicit cigarette trade as accounting for 34.5 percent of the total market as at the end of 2013, compared with 20 percent in 2002.

The bank said the key culprit for the “rampant illegal activities” was the increase in cigarette prices over the years resulting from higher excise duties.