Gaming tax boost for government

I WAS rather puzzled by the inaction and reluctance of the government to allow 4D shops (numbers betting outlets) to reopen during this recovery movement control order (MCO) period.

This is because the business is not in the negative list and does not have any issues operating with public safety in mind and proper social distancing practices in place.

The 4D shops are actually comparatively safer than many other types of businesses that were allowed to resume operations earlier. They are not air-conditioned (reducing the risks of transmitting Covid-19), customers are there only for a short time and queuing is already being practised.

All that is needed are some markings on the floor for the queues to maintain the proper distance between each customer.

More importantly, the industry generates an estimated RM100mil in tax revenue every week! Right now, government revenue is already expected to be lower while billions of ringgit are being spent on the initiatives taken to manage the economic crisis caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The closure of the 4D outlets since the start of the movement control order on March 18 would probably have cost the government close to a billion ringgit in foregone revenue, and this huge “leakage” must be plugged.

Given the above reasons, the government’s decision to finally allow the number forecast operators to reopen for business from June 17 after being closed for more than three months was wise, as there would be a wider stream of revenue to help shore up the public coffers.

It is also fair to all the agents and thousands of workers involved in the industry.

PUZZLED

Petaling Jaya