Malaysia: Legal Cigarette Sales Fell 30% after Price Hike

Source from:  Rakyat Post 04/15/2016

Malaysia's small and medium retail segment suffered losses of some RM500 million in 2015 due to illegal cigarette trade, says Malaysia Singapore Coffeshop Proprietors General Association (MSCSPGA).

In a statement today, president Ho Su Mong said legal cigarette retail sales fell 30% after cigarette prices increased following a 40% rise in tax last year.

"Due to the increase in the prices of legal tobacco products, more smokers opted for illegal cigarettes, thus affecting our sales with many of us are now in difficult time to continue with the business."

Ho urged the government to re-look the situation as cigarettes were the main contributors to their revenues.

He also called on MSCSPGA's members to continue working with the government agencies to tackle illegal cigarette trade which was now rampant. Enditem