British American Tobacco Malaysia - Massive And Unprecedented Cigarette Excise Increase

Petaling Jaya, 4th November 2015 – British American Tobacco Malaysia (BAT Malaysia) expressed extreme disappointment and shock at the unprecedented massive increase in cigarette excise of more than 40% by the Government effective 3rd November 2015.

“The tobacco industry has already been hit by a huge 12% increase in cigarette excise just a year ago on 1st November 2014. This was followed by the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) at 6% beginning 1st April this year” said Stefano Clini, Managing Director of BAT Malaysia.

“The legal tobacco market has declined by 10% on a September year-to-date basis. This extreme hike in cigarette excise done against the backdrop of both weakened economy and consumer sentiments will definitely fuel further an already high level of illegal cigarettes, where 1 in 3 packs is illegal. We cannot imagine the impact that this more than 40% increase in excise will have on the industry” Clini added.

Consequently, British American Tobacco had to increase its cigarette prices taking into consideration the sum mandated by the excise increase and its impact on GST and inflationary cost pressures.

The new cigarette prices, effective Wednesday, 4th November 2015, are as follows:

DUNHILL range - RM 17.00

KENT range - RM 17.00

BENSON & HEDGES - RM 17.00

PETER STUYVESANT range - RM 15.50

PALL MALL range - RM 15.50

LUCKY STRIKE PLAIN -  RM 17.50

SHUANG XI range - RM18.00

About British American Tobacco (Malaysia) Berhad
British American Tobacco (Malaysia) Berhad (British American Tobacco Malaysia) emerged on 3rd November 1999 from the merger of Rothmans of Pall Mall (Malaysia) Berhad and Malaysian Tobacco Company Berhad. These two long established tobacco companies brought with the merger, experience and an unrivalled portfolio of highly successful international brands to create the largest tobacco company in the country.

British American Tobacco Malaysia manufactures and markets high quality tobacco products designed to meet diverse consumer preferences. Its brand portfolio includes well-established international names like DUNHILL, KENT, PALL MALL and PETER STUYVESANT. British American Tobacco Malaysia has about 1,000 employees who are involved in the full spectrum of the tobacco industry, from processing to manufacturing, and marketing to distribution.

British American Tobacco Malaysia is part of the British American Tobacco group, which is the world’s most international tobacco group and the second largest stock market listed tobacco group by global market share.

---

For more information, please contact British American Tobacco Malaysia:

Fairuz Helmi, Head of Corporate and Regulatory Affairs at 03-7491 7268 or Fairuz_Helmi@bat.com
Prianka Krishnamurthy, Corporate Affairs Manager at 03-7491 3773 or Prianka_Krishnamurthy@bat.com