Smoking reduction plan goes awry

The government of Malaysia’s bid to contain smoking by raising taxes on tobacco products is being undermined by illicit cigarette sales, according to a story in the New Strait Times.

And this is hardly surprising given that illicit cigarettes sell for as little as MYR3 per pack, while licit products retail for between MYR10 and MYR12 per pack.

Despite an attempted nationwide crackdown, the sale of illicit cigarettes is said to be rampant, especially in rural areas.

According to the Times story, many low- and middle-income earners have switched from premium- or lower-priced brands to “kretek (clove cigarettes) and other illicit cigarettes brands.”