The illegal cigarette trade is a serious problem in Malaysia, approximately 55% of all cigarettes sold in the country are illegal (Nielsen’s 2024 Illicit Cigarettes Study in Malaysia), or 6 out of 10 packs sold in Malaysia are illegal.
Buying and selling illegal cigarettes is not a victimless crime – it is a crime with consequences. It is estimated that the Government loses out on excise revenue of RM5 billion every year. That’s money that could be spent on providing public goods and services.
In addition to that, evidence points that the illegal trade is leg by crime syndicates and terrorist organisations, the same people who smuggle dangerous weapons, drugs and people. The illegal cigarette trade not only brings crime into our communities, it finances serious organised crime across the globe.
That is why JTI is taking a stand against the illegal cigarette trade. We continuously engage and work with the relevant law enforcement agencies to together tackle this issue and we remain committed to combatting illegal cigarette trade in Malaysia