Paying less for a pack of smokes that just “fell off the boat” might be good for your wallet, but awful for your everhything else: cigarettes illegally smuggled into Malaysia can contain up to three times more tar and nicotine than the level approved by law.
Studies by the Biotechnology Department of Universiti Malaya’s Biology Science Institute reveal that five cigarette brands that have been smuggled into the country – Surya Gudang Garam, Nusantara Gudang Garam, Sampoerna, LA Lights, and Nusantara Menthol – all have more than the amount of tar allowed under Malaysian law.
The research also showed that Surya Gudang Garam clove cigarettes, which are an Indonesian import, contain 45 miligrams of tar per stick, or three times the legally allowed amount of 15mg per stick.
Chief research scientist behind the findings, Dr Chandran Somasundram, told Harian Metro that decisive actions should be taken to stem the smuggling of contraband cigarettes into Malaysia, as it could affect the health of citizens.
“The findings of this research is shocking. The authorities need to elevate their enforcement of the law, and impose harsher penalties on smuggling syndicates, because to do nothing would endanger the health of Malaysians,” he said.
“Smuggled cigarette packs do not display illustrated health warnings, and also flaunt the law by containing 12 to 16 cigarettes each.”
Malaysia institutes a minimum 20-cigarette content for all cigarette packs sold in the country.
“The higher tar and nicotine content in these cigarettes also increases the chances of addiction, and will make it harder for addicts to kick the habit.”
Dr Chandran added that due to their cheaper price, smuggled cigarettes usually end up in the hands of children, teens, and rural communities, with dire health implications for those groups.
