The Royal Malaysian Customs said the transition period for the use of the cigarette stamp duty would be carried out in stages and had already begun on Aug 1.

“Cigarette packets which have been marked with security ink will only be allowed to be in the market until March 31, 2017.

“After that date, manufacturers will have to withdraw them (cigarette packs) from the shelves,” it said.

It said the use of the duty stamp was in compliance with international standards including that of the World Health Organisation – Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) to ensure that the tobacco supply chain could be effectively monitored apart from protecting national revenue.

Failure to comply with the mandatory requirement would result in the seizure of cigarettes. Manufacturers will also be charged under Section 74 of the Excise Act 1976 or Section 89 of the Goods and Services Tax Act (GST) 2014.

The Customs Department also called on members of the public to report suspected activities of cigarette smuggling and sale of contraband cigarettes at its hotline at 1-800-88-8855.