Malaysia: Government Yet to Decide on Licensing for Tobacco Distribution

The government has yet to make a decision on the implementation of licensing for the distribution of tobacco and tobacco products, including cigarettes.

The Plantation Industries and Commodities Ministry, in a statement today, said any policy on its implementation would into account the interests of the parties involved.

The statement was issued in response to concern raised by six major national associations that the government intended to impose the licensing requirement in the middle of the year, to which they disagreed.

The ministry said the views of the six associations would also be sought over the licensing implementation.

The associations were Malaysia Singapore Cofeeshop Proprietors'General Association (MSCSPGA), Malaysia Indian Restaurant Owners Association, Malaysian Muslim Restaurant Owners Association, the Federation of Sundry Goods Merchants Association of Malaysia, the Malaysian Muslim Wholesalers and Retailers Association, and Gabungan Persatuan Penjaja-Penjaja Dan Peniaga-Peniaga Kecil Malaysia.

"The government will continue to consult stakeholders and hopes that the associations would give their views for the common good," the ministry said.

MSCSPGA, in a statement today, said the six bodies, representing more than 180,000 retailers, had made a joint petition to the government to reconsider the proposal.

"Even though the ministry recently issued a statement that a decision has not been made on the matter, the associations are making a joint request to the government to reconsider the proposal as it will impact many businesses in the country," it added. Enditem