Migrant CARE is calling on the relevant authorities to establish a cooperating-witness channel similar to mechanisms used in countries such as the UK and the US to tackle organised crime networks, thus allowing migrant workers already implicated in the illegal cigarette trade to share information anonymously.
This is with regard to the syndicates running the network in exchange for consideration in how their case is handled, according to the Indonesia-based civil society organisation (CSO) focused on advocacy for the rights of Indonesian migrant workers.
“We recognise the on-going enforcement efforts by the authorities. However, action must also focus on those who profit from these networks rather than those at the point of sale,” commented Migrant CARE’s country representative Alex Ong.
“Without a structured mechanism to encourage disclosure, those at the bottom of the chain have no incentive to cooperate and the syndicates above them remain protected by that silence.”
Ong further highlighted a case that reflects the serious consequences faced by those drawn into the illicit cigarette trade.
An Indonesian domestic helper’s cousin who came to Malaysia for construction work took up selling illegal cigarettes to repay recruitment-related debt.
He was later arrested, fined, deported and barred from re-entering Malaysia. He has since returned home with his opportunity to work in Malaysia lost while the debt remains unpaid.
“Some migrant workers are exploited by these networks where those who organise and profit remain hidden while others carry out the risk,” exposed Ong.
“These are real pressures. But working here is a responsibility and that doesn’t excuse anyone from getting involved in illegal activities.”
These cases are not isolated. Recent findings show 68.8% of buyers identified foreign nationals as sellers and 99% reported that illegal cigarettes were easy or very easy to obtain.
Enforcement efforts continue to intensify. Earlier this month in Selayang Baru, authorities detained an Indonesian national and seized 389 cartons of illegal cigarettes from a suspected distribution point.
“Enforcement is actively identifying locations involved in this trade. The question isn’t whether action will be taken but when,” revealed Ong.
He noted that while enforcement against sellers continues, the syndicates who recruit and profit from them are rarely apprehended. This is exactly why the cooperating-witness channel matters: it reaches further up the chain than raids alone.
He warned that involvement in illicit cigarette activities should never be seen as an easy source of income.
“This is not supplementary income. It is criminal conduct. The consequences are swift and lasting: deportation, loss of lawful employment, visa cancellation and the forfeiture of everything accumulated during years of work here. The hardship does not end upon return.”
Under Malaysian law, individuals found involved in the illicit cigarette trade may face prosecution under the Customs Act 1967 which carries fines of up to RM500,000 and imprisonment of up to five years, depending on the offence.
In addition, immigration action may be taken under the Immigration Act 1959/63 and related regulations, including cancellation of work passes, deportation and blacklisting from re-entry into Malaysia.
“We support firm enforcement, applied consistently and without exception. But enforcement must go hand in hand with prevention, ensuring that workers understand the risks before they are drawn into networks that profit from their vulnerability,” asserted Ong.
“The message must be clear: enforcement is active, the consequences are severe and there’s zero tolerance for involvement in the illegal cigarette trade.” – July 8, 2026
Main image credit: Mohd Nordin Tpk/Facebook
