Why are illegal cigarettes fuelling youth smoking in Malaysia?

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Illegal Cigarettes Fueling Youth Smoking in Malaysia Due to Accessibility and Affordability

The proliferation of cheap, illegal cigarettes is the primary driver behind the rising youth smoking rates in Malaysia, a trend that contrasts with global declines. These illicit products are readily available and priced significantly below government-mandated minimums, making them an accessible and affordable option for young individuals. This situation is exacerbated by a lack of stringent border controls, allowing large quantities of contraband tobacco, particularly "illicit whites," to enter the country.
Early Exposure and Normalisation of Smoking

Children in Malaysia are exposed to cigarettes and the act of smoking from a remarkably young age, often between five and seven years old. This early familiarity is frequently initiated when they are asked by family members to purchase cigarettes for them. Such instances can lead to some children experimenting with smoking as early as eight years old, effectively normalising the habit before they reach adolescence.
Irresponsible Retail Practices and Affordability

Certain traders contribute to the problem by selling cigarettes in single sticks, thereby circumventing the need for young people to purchase entire packs. More critically, illegal cigarettes are consistently priced far below the government's minimum price of RM9 per pack, with some available for as little as RM3 to RM4.50. This drastically low price point ensures that illegal cigarettes are within the financial reach of young consumers.
Impact of Low Pricing on Youth Smokers

Data from the 2016 "Tobacco & E-Cigarette Survey among Malaysian Adolescents" (Tecma) highlights the direct impact of these low prices. The survey indicated that a significant 71.6% of young smokers, aged under 19, purchased cigarette packs that cost less than the established RM9 minimum. This statistic underscores how the affordability of illegal cigarettes directly facilitates their consumption by Malaysian youth.
Inadequate Border Controls Facilitate Smuggling

The substantial influx of contraband tobacco into Malaysia is largely attributed to insufficient border security measures. These illicit supplies predominantly consist of "illicit whites," which are cigarettes manufactured legally but then smuggled across borders to evade taxes and regulations. This continuous flow of untaxed and unregulated products ensures a constant supply of cheap cigarettes within the Malaysian market, perpetuating the cycle of youth smoking.

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Why are illegal cigarettes fuelling youth smoking in Malaysia?

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