MIRI – The proposal for a casino to be set up in Sarawak has the support of Parti Bangsa Malaysia (PBM) president Datuk Larry Sng, who said it will boost the state’s economy.
“A casino in Sarawak will definitely boost the local businesses and bring in tourism revenue as well,” the Julau MP said.
He said PBM applauded state Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Hamzah and state Education, Innovation and Talent Development Minister Datuk Roland Sagah Wee Inn for the idea.
Sagah yesterday proposed Sarawak’s casino to be sited in Borneo Highlands Resort, in Kuching.
He also said it should be strictly controlled.
“This can truly spur the economy via tourism and other spin-offs, and draw private investors to the state, but there must be proper guidelines in place.
The idea for a casino in Sarawak was recently floated by Karim when he said the state government “did not reject” such an idea.
However, local opposition party Parti Bumi Kenyalang (PBK) has disagreed, saying it will bring more harm than good.
PBK president Voon Lee Shan said two days ago that having a casino in the state has more negatives that will outweigh any economic and monetary gains from tourism or business revenue.
These problems will affect families, cause gambling addictions and destroy the income of ordinary people, which will lead to loan shark problems and suicides, Voon said. – The Vibes, March 26, 2023