THE illegal tobacco trade has long been a persistent problem in Sarawak, with regular enforcement actions uncovering millions of ringgit worth of contraband. On January 3, 2025, the General Operation Force (GOF) seized over RM3 million in illegal cigarettes and liquor during the operations known as ‘Ops Taring Alpha’. This black market activity not only strips the government of substantial tax revenues but also undermines public health efforts aimed at reducing smoking rates.
Cheap illicit cigarettes make it difficult to encourage smokers to quit or switch to better alternatives. Many opt for these cheaper options because legally sold, taxed cigarettes are more expensive. Additionally, illicit cigarettes are often of lower quality and may contain higher levels of harmful substances, increasing health risks for users. The persistent black market significantly hampers Sarawak’s tobacco control initiatives.
In 2022, Philip Morris France Illicit Trade Prevention Manager Daniel Bruquel highlighted the dangers behind illicit cigarettes. “They are completely unregulated and fail to comply with basic safety and quality standards, heavily undermining efforts to reduce smoking prevalence and protect youth from smoking.”
Strengthening Enforcement and Reducing Demand
To tackle illicit tobacco, Sarawak needs a comprehensive strategy that combines stronger enforcement with efforts to reduce demand. Strengthening border security is essential to limit the entry of illegal products. This could involve deploying advanced technologies like drones and electronic monitoring systems, as well as improving cooperation with neighbouring countries to dismantle smuggling networks. Moreover, local law enforcement agencies require more resources and support to effectively address smuggling within Sarawak’s borders.
However, enforcement alone won’t solve the problem. Reducing the demand for illicit cigarettes is equally crucial. Public education campaigns should inform people about the dangers of illegal tobacco products and promote harm reduction strategies. These campaigns can highlight the health risks of unregulated cigarettes and showcase safer, smoke-free alternatives. By changing public perceptions and behaviours, these efforts can decrease the attractiveness of illicit products.
Harm Reduction and Better Alternatives
Harm reduction is a key component in minimising the negative health effects of smoking. Providing regulated, affordable, and better harm reduction alternatives for adult smokers who choose not to quit smoking, such as heated tobacco products (HTPs) and e-cigarettes, could significantly impact Sarawak’s fight against illicit cigarettes. These alternatives offer smokers potentially less harmful options compared to traditional cigarettes, helping reduce health risks and the demand for black market products. Combining these options with strong enforcement measures could create a sustainable solution to the illicit cigarette issue.
However, it is important to consider that harm reduction products are not without controversy. Some studies suggest that e-cigarettes may still pose health risks or serve as a gateway for youth smoking. Therefore, while harm reduction strategies can play a role, they should be implemented alongside comprehensive regulations and ongoing research to fully understand their impact.
Public education efforts should collaborate with community leaders to ensure messages reach all segments of the population, including rural areas where smoking rates may be higher. Educating the public about harm reduction complements enforcement efforts and helps create a supportive environment for change.
Learning from Global Examples
Countries around the world have implemented various strategies to reduce smoking rates, providing valuable lessons for Sarawak. Japan, for example, has successfully lowered its smoking rates by adopting heated tobacco products (HTPs). From 2014 to 2022, smoking rates in Japan dropped by 46%, largely due to the popularity of HTPs. These products heat tobacco without burning it, reducing the release of harmful chemicals. Japan’s combination of supporting HTPs, enforcing public smoking bans, and running awareness campaigns demonstrates how innovation and regulation can work together for better public health.
New Zealand offers another successful model, achieving a 53% decline in smoking rates between 2014 and 2022 by integrating harm reduction into its tobacco control policies. The country supports both cessation efforts and the use of safer alternatives like e-cigarettes and HTPs. Comprehensive public education campaigns have been crucial, helping smokers make informed choices about switching to less harmful products.
In contrast, Thailand’s restrictive measures highlight the challenges of limiting options for smokers. By banning smoke-free alternatives like HTPs and e-cigarettes, Thailand saw only a 16% reduction in smoking rates between 2014 and 2021. This strict approach limited options for smokers seeking to reduce harm and inadvertently fuelled the illicit market. Thailand’s experience underscores the need to balance regulation with accessibility to effectively reduce smoking rates.
Sarawak can draw valuable lessons from Japan, New Zealand, and Thailand. Embracing harm reduction, regulating smoke-free alternatives, and tailoring strategies to fit local contexts are essential steps. These actions can help lower smoking rates more quickly and sustainably. Additionally, reducing the economic burden on Malaysia’s healthcare system and addressing broader public health issues are important benefits of this approach.
Sarawak must act now to address the dual challenges of smoking and illicit cigarettes. By learning from other countries and implementing innovative, inclusive strategies, Sarawak can lead the region in tobacco harm reduction and also a smoke-free future.
References:
https://dayakdaily.com/sarawak-gof-cracks-down-on-smuggled-cigarettes-liquor-worth-rm3-mln/
https://focusmalaysia.my/much-is-still-required-even-as-illegal-cigarettes-incidence-drops-6-5
