BAT MALAYSIA TO HELP CUSTOMS COMBAT ILLICIT CIGARETTE TRADE

KUALA LUMPUR, Sep 29, 2008 (AsiaPulse via COMTEX) -- BTI | Quote | Chart | News | PowerRating -- British American Tobacco (Malaysia) Bhd (BAT Malaysia) (KLSE:4162) has commended the Royal Malaysian Customs (RMC) for its commitment to combat illicit trade and pledged its continued support to address the illegal cigarette trade in Malaysia.

"BAT Malaysia is very appreciative of the efforts undertaken by the RMC for continuously stepping up their enforcement efforts on smuggling activities over the past few years.

"This can be seen through the ever increasing successful raids across the country by the RMC to date," said its Managing Director Jack Bowles in a statement.

According to latest statistics, the RMC had seized illegal cigarettes totalling about 296 million sticks as of last month.

"This is equivalent to the amount of illegal cigarettes seized over the whole of 2007 which is indeed a sterling effort by one of the most effective customs outfits in the region," he said.

In April, the RMC was ranked 6th in Asia Pacific and 23rd globally under the International Customs Ranking for its efficiency and effectiveness.

The RMC has in fact taken on the role as the Chairman of the Asean Customs Enforcement and Compliance Working Group.

"This is because smuggling is a trans-boundary crime that requires cross-border cooperation," he said.

Bowles said BAT Malaysia was highly encouraged by the pro-active dialogue sessions being held across the nation organised by RMC in cooperation with the Confederation of Malaysian Tobacco Manufacturers in efforts to educate retailers about this problem.

These dialogue sessions with retailers are a continuation of the "Jangan Beli & Jangan Jual Rokok Tidak Sah" (Don't Buy or Sell Illegal Cigarettes) campaign launched on April 30 by RMC director-general Abd Rahman Abd Hamid.

The objective of this campaign is to educate retailers about the pitfalls and consequences of purchasing illicit cigarettes. It is hoped that through these awareness campaigns, retailers will be more mindful of getting involved in the sale of illicit cigarettes.

"We are heartened to note that further dialogue sessions are planned to be held later this year. This is a strong testimony of the continued smart partnership between RMC and the tobacco industry in working together to address the illegal smuggling of cigarettes.

"BAT Malaysia pledges our continued support to the RMC in their on-going battle against illicit cigarette trade which is costing the government millions in unpaid duty losses each year," added Bowles.

(BERNAMA-OANA)

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