LETTERS: I WRITE in response to the letter titled “Time to rethink strategy to curb issue of illicit cigarettes”, published on Dec 28 last year.
While the writer touched on the need to rethink the strategy to curb illicit cigarettes, the issue cannot be addressed without a joint strategy to curb illicit liquor as well.
Agencies responsible for combating illicit cigarettes and liquor will certainly agree the modus operandi and the syndicates involved are very much the same, and are sometimes, interrelated.
The proposal to have a Multi-Agency Task Force is the right approach to have a bigger impact on the syndicates. The various agencies have their own legislations that can be used to curb the smuggling and sale of illicit cigarettes and liquor.
This will be a holistic approach, for example, when action is taken, the Customs Department and the Inland Revenue Board should also be notified to undertake investigation into income or corporate tax evasion.
A multi-agency task force will also ease the burden on any one agency in terms of logistics, manpower and other capacities. However, it is generally perceived that the announcements of the formation of task forces is just a publicity stunt to impress upon the public that something is being done, and the vigour diminishes after sometime.
It needs total commitment from the agencies and political will to implement the law without fear or favour.
The Ministry of Health has taken a strong stand on smoking in public places. However, it should consider licensing of wholesalers and retailers who are authorised by legitimate cigarette manufactures and importers. This will ensure only legitimate cigarettes are sold.
This will also provide greater control and essential data including sales tractions to the government.
A similar approach can also be taken on the sales of beer at the retail level, including restaurants and coffee shops which are exempted from any licensing requirements at the moment.
Any licensing requirements will certainly cause great concern to traders but the advantages in the long-term need to be considered. Among others, it:
GIVES greater control on the sale of cigarettes and beer;
RESTRICTS the sale of cigarettes and beer to the underaged;
TRADERS will avoid the sale of illicit cigarettes and beer;
INCREASE in tax revenue to the government; and,
EASIER enforcement.
The government has shown its commitment by doing the right thing through amendments to the law, in particular the Customs (Amendment) Act 2018 and The Control of Tobacco Product Regulation 2014.
I hope the government will consider the above suggestions.
GUNA SELAN MARIAN
Penang
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times