KUALA LUMPUR – Resorts World Genting has announced the temporary closure of its casinos starting today, said the company in a statement.
In a notice posted on its website, Resorts World Genting said it will also be limiting its operating hours from 8am to 8pm, effective from tomorrow until June 7.
The company said the new operating hours apply to all its hotels, food and beverage outlets, shopping malls, retail outlets, and other facilities.
“Some of our offerings may not be available during this period,” it said in the notice.
“The casino will be temporarily closed from today until further notice.”
On Saturday, the government ordered Genting Highlands to close its casinos, about a month after a group of tourists who visited the hill station tested positive for Covid-19.
Senior Minister (Security) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the directive issued on Friday will be enforced immediately.
He also said that he was not aware that the casinos were in operation before that.
“I didn’t know the casinos were operating before this.
“I have ordered for their closure yesterday (Friday),” he told The Vibes in a brief message yesterday.
On April 22, a group of 28 tourists from Alor Star, Kedah, had reportedly travelled to Genting Highlands through the government-authorised green travel bubble concept.
While there is no official confirmation that the tourists visited the casinos, speculation is rife on social media that this was the case.
On April 24, upon their return to Kedah, several group members started experiencing Covid-19 symptoms.
On May 7, the Health Ministry confirmed that 16 out of the 28 individuals tested positive for the virus.
It is understood that the ministry is currently tracing close contacts, but has yet to identify the index case.
With the closure, Genting Resorts World asked customers to visit its website to receive updates on its operations.
“We will continue to fully adhere to the strict SOPs issued by the government throughout the resort and we seek our guests’ cooperation in doing the same,” said the company.
“We apologise for any inconvenience caused.” – The Vibes, May 24, 2021
