MALAYSIANS will have to endure the movement-control order (MCO) until April 28, but it may very well be extended beyond May.

Meanwhile, the partial lockdown has been heaven-sent for syndicates and other not-so-law-abiding citizens, while honest, hardworking and tax-paying citizens are exposed to loss of income and job-security fears. As the saying goes, in every crisis, there is an opportunity.

I read with amusement an article on how smokers are urged to quit the habit during the MCO period, while the press has also highlighted the activities of syndicates. Concerned legitimate businesses have expressed their concerns as well about the spike in black-economy activities.

Just last week, while working from home, a friend sent me a link to a website selling illicit cigarettes in open defiance of the law. As a smoker, I admit I was tempted due to the wide choices on offer and low prices, but I resisted as I had already stocked up on cigarettes bought legally in the early stages of the MCO. However, many people are still going for the illicit ones.

Pray tell, how are smokers expected to quit smoking when illicit cigarettes are so readily available? Why are such websites still operating? What is the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission doing? Is the government paying attention to the proliferation of the black economy during the MCO?

Inspector-General of Police Abdul Hamid Bador last week said syndicates are ramping up the use of e-commerce and social media platforms, co-opting food and courier delivery riders to meet the increased demand from Malaysians stuck indoors.

There are even riders proudly showing off packets of illicit cigarettes for delivery in their food pouches. Naturally, they are tempted as they get to earn a good side income. The one winner during these hard times are the operators selling such goods, who enjoy easy profits without worrying about paying taxes.

Last year, the government lost RM5 billion in much-needed tobacco tax to these criminals. Couldn’t these funds be put to good use for the betterment of Malaysia and her citizens? They say crime does not pay, but in this case, it pays well. What will happen after the MCO, when the economic situation gets even more precarious for millions of Malaysians?

The government cannot afford any more losses, as the country is already in a precarious financial position in light of a looming global recession and significantly lower oil prices. It is time for the government to tackle the black economy. – April 17, 2020.

* Sreejit Pillai reads The Malaysian Insight.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.