BAT MALAYSIA PLEDGES SUPPORT TO CUSTOMS DEPT IN COMBATING ILLICIT TRADE

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 26 (Bernama) -- British American Tobacco (Malaysia) Bhd (BAT Malaysia) has commended the Royal Malaysian Customs (RMC) for its
commitment to combat illicit trade and pledged its continued support to address
the illegal cigarette trade in Malaysia.

"BAT Malaysia is very appreciative of the efforts undertaken by the RMC
for continuously stepping up their enforcement efforts on
smuggling activities over the past few years.

"This can be seen through the ever increasing successful raids across the
country by the RMC to date," said its Managing Director Jack Bowles in a
statement.

According to latest statistics, the RMC had seized illegal cigarettes
totalling about 296 million sticks as of last month.

"This is equivalent to the amount of illegal cigarettes seized over the
whole of 2007 which is indeed a sterling effort by one of the most effective
customs outfits in the region," he said.

In April, the RMC was ranked 6th in Asia Pacific and 23rd globally
under the International Customs Ranking for its efficiency and
effectiveness.

The RMC has in fact taken on the role as the Chairman of the Asean Customs
Enforcement and Compliance Working Group.

"This is because smuggling is a trans-boundary crime that requires
cross-border cooperation," he said.

Bowles said BAT Malaysia was highly encouraged by the pro-active dialogue
sessions being held across the nation organised by RMC in cooperation with the
Confederation of Malaysian Tobacco Manufacturers in efforts to
educate retailers about this problem.

These dialogue sessions with retailers are a continuation of the "Jangan
Beli & Jangan Jual Rokok Tidak Sah" (Don't Buy or Sell Illegal Cigarettes)
campaign launched on April 30 by RMC director-general Abd Rahman Abd
Hamid.

The objective of this campaign is to educate retailers about the pitfalls
and consequences of purchasing illicit cigarettes. It is hoped that through
these awareness campaigns, retailers will be more mindful of getting involved in
the sale of illicit cigarettes.

"We are heartened to note that further dialogue sessions are planned to be
held later this year. This is a strong testimony of the continued smart
partnership between RMC and the tobacco industry in working together to address
the illegal smuggling of cigarettes.

"BAT Malaysia pledges our continued support to the RMC in their on-going
battle against illicit cigarette trade which is costing the government millions
in unpaid duty losses each year," added Bowles.

-- BERNAMA