In a statement issued today, FSGMAM president Hong Chee Meng, representing more than 4,000 members with an estimated 10,000 sundry shops, said allowing the sale of small packs had its merits and should not be dismissed as it could reduce the overall consumption of cigarettes.
“We have a high number of smokers in the country because of illegal cigarettes,” he said, adding that when only 20-stick cigarette packs were sold, people smoked more.
Hong said a 10-stick cigarette pack would allow people to consume less.
“We believe that some smokers, who have a habit of smoking one pack a day, will smoke less if there are 10-stick cigarette packs in the market,” he said.
Hong said it was time due consideration was given to “real effective measures” that would reduce the problems presented by the illegal cigarette trade.
“The illegal cigarette trade is not only harming businesses but also the socio-economic well-being of various parts of society, and we need a solution now.
“As parties at the frontline of businesses, we see the seriousness of the illegal cigarette trade situation,” Hong said, adding that enforcement alone was not the answer.
“This is where the 10-stick cigarette pack will play a role. It is not about encouraging smoking or about giving access to youth,” he said.
He said allowing the sale of smaller packs was necessary because the more pricey 20-stick cigarette pack led many smokers to buy illegal packs instead.
“The government has tried many measures to reduce cigarette consumption, such as having laws and regulations, increasing taxes, as well as conducting education and awareness activities.
“However, many of these measures do not address illegal cigarettes and consumption has increased.”
Hong said the federation hoped the government would consider the 10-stick cigarette pack proposal because a right solution was needed to address the illegal cigarette trade and the worrying increase in the consumption of cigarettes.
Retail body says small packs can curb illicit cigarette trade