KUALA LUMPUR (Jan 19): British American Tobacco (M) Bhd (BAT) has refuted allegations that the industry's proposal to reintroduce small cigarette packs aims to increase the number of smokers in Malaysia.

In a statement today, BAT said the company views with concern that the industry's intention to support the proposal to reduce the volume of illegal cigarettes has been taken out of context. BAT said the proposal is a pragmatic measure to merely provide a legal alternative to illegal cigarettes.

"We categorically refute the unfounded allegation that small packs of cigarettes proposed by the industry is to increase the number of smokers in the country. While we respect the fact that there would be varying views on the proposed reintroduction of small packs ranging from supportive to strong opposing views, we strongly object to false allegations being made against the intent of the industry in supporting the reintroduction of small packs.

"It must be stressed that it is the very sizeable presence of illegal cigarettes in Malaysia that is the main factor frustrating and undermining the health agenda in Malaysia," BAT said.

BAT said the fact that illegal cigarettes have increased drastically despite the country's ban on small packs in 2010 shows that enforcement alone will not solve the problem.

The company said the situation proves that smoking initiation has been due to illegal cigarettes, not small packs.

"The problem has grown too big to rely on enforcement alone so the small pack proposal comes from an alternate perspective to address the demand side of the issue. If there are new robust ideas on how to eradicate the black market speedily and effectively, we hope that it will be put forth for consideration because clearly, the cigarette black market growth has outpaced all enforcement and education efforts," BAT said.