If you're a smoker, you've probably enjoyed purchasing cigarettes tax-free from duty-free zones around the country.

Unfortunately, that luxury will be no more come 1 January 2021.

According to a report by The Star, ciggies will be subjected to taxes even when sold within duty-free areas.

Why such a decision?

The move announced under the recently passed budget is meant to curb cigarette smuggling, which is a significant concern, especially at duty-free islands and zones around the country.

“From what we know, cigarette smuggling occurs on some duty-free islands throughout the country.

“They are brought in illegally and the government is unable to collect revenue on them, ” said Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Abdul Rahim Bakri.

Additionally, enforcement will also be stepped up at the said areas to eliminate smuggling.

The report also detailed that cigarettes were one of the most smuggled items in the country.

A study on illegal cigarettes also shockingly revealed that Malaysia accounted for more than half of the global sales of these cigarettes in 2019.

In fact, our government lost approximately RM5bil in taxes because of illegal cigarette sales.

WOW!