Over 36% of cigarettes sold in the country are smuggled goods

PETALING JAYA: A total of 36.9% of cigarettes sold in the country are smuggled items.
"I wish to remind the public to be concerned about this problem by informing Customs if they know of anyone smuggling, possessing and selling cigarettes or liquor that have not been taxed," Datuk Matrang Suhaili, deputy director-general of Customs Malaysia (Enforcement & Compliance) said in conjunction with the launch of 'Ops Pacak Peringkat Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur' 2016 today.
The operation was launched in an effort to curb the smuggling of cigarettes and liquor into the country.
The six-day operation will be focussed on three areas – Kampung Baru, Chow Kit and Pasar Keramat.
"Some 127 officers from various agencies will be placed at these locations where they will conduct checks and patrols to nab sales," Matrang said other agencies taking part are the police, Immigration Department, Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism and Kuala Lumpur City Hall amongst others.
Last year, the Customs Department collected RM3.6b in tax revenue on cigarette, which is 5.8% of the department's total collection of RM61.7 billion.
Those with information on sales of smuggled cigarettes or alcohol should call 1-800-88-8855.