SHAH ALAM, May 26 — A survey conducted by think tank Wawasanex found that nearly two in three Malaysians, or 63.8 per cent, have purchased smuggled cigarettes in the past 12 months.
This means that, based on the 4.5 million smokers recorded in the National Health and Morbidity Survey 2023, the figure translates to close to a staggering three million Malaysians buying smuggled cigarettes within a year.
The survey, involving 603 respondents across Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, and Sarawak, aimed to assess the purchasing levels and accessibility of illicit cigarettes in the country.
Utusan Malaysia reported that the findings revealed that smuggled cigarettes have become easier to purchase at daily grocery stores, with 68.8 per cent of buyers admitting they obtained them from foreign sellers.
Wawasanex co-founder and creative analytics director Dini Nurhani said the data indicate that foreign workers play a major role in the smuggling of cigarettes in Malaysia.
“The reality is deeply concerning. Our data shows that 68.8 per cent of buyers identified foreigners as their sellers, a clear indication that their network has become deeply rooted in the daily retail sector,” she said.
The survey shows 99 per cent of respondents described smuggled cigarettes as easy to obtain, with 83.8 per cent purchasing them at grocery stores and 12.5 per cent at premises known as ‘Kedai Aceh’.
Dini added that the selling of smuggled cigarettes is no longer done discreetly, but is now openly conducted at grocery and corner shops.
“This shows the existence of a structured and well-established system, which relies largely on foreign workers to keep this trade running,” she said.
The survey also found that 91 per cent of respondents purchased smuggled cigarettes due to their low price, 75 per cent cited easy access as the main factor, while 35 per cent said smuggled cigarettes were the only available choice, highlighting the dominance of the illicit market in certain areas.
Approximately 87 per cent of respondents agreed to stricter penalties for all involved parties, including employers and foreign workers who trade in smuggled cigarettes, while 67.8 per cent demanded higher fines, and 65 per cent supported tighter enforcement.
“Although the Royal Malaysian Customs Department confiscated illicit tobacco products valued at RM903.49 million over the past two years and foiled 7,097 cases in 2025, the trade still happens because the impact of the penalties is not sufficiently felt on the ground,” Dini said.
