Japan Tobacco International (JTI) on Monday increased the retail price of its cigarette brands for packs of 20 sticks by MYR 0.70 (EUR 0.16) following a tax hike on 1 October.

JTI raises the price for Winston, Mild Seven, Camel and Salem brands from the previous price of MYR 9.30 (EUR 2.10) following a 16-per-cent hike in excise duty by the government on 1 October.
Most retailers said the price adjustment this time round was the highest, as previous increases were just between MYR 0.10 – 0.30.
Health minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said the cigarette price increase was a good opportunity for smokers to kick the habit, while Lean Hing Chuan, president of the Federation of Sundry Goods Merchants’ Association, said that cigarette smuggling activities might increase. (pi)