High stakes, low returns? Malay, Muslim groups say no to S’wak casino

MIRI – The Miri Malay Association (PMM), several Islamic-based organisations and Muslim individuals here have voiced their disagreement with the proposal to set up a casino in Sarawak.

PMM chairman Radzali Alision, the groups and individuals’ spokesman, claimed that remarks by politicians and others favouring the possible setting up of a casino in Borneo Highlands near Kuching had caused uneasiness among the Muslim population in Sarawak.

“First, it contradicts Islamic law, which prohibits any gambling activity in the community…(gambling) is also forbidden by other faiths.

“Although there are certain parties who believe that the construction of a casino in Sarawak will bring huge profit and contribute to the state’s economy, (we believe that) it will have a negative long-term effect that will be borne by the community in the future.

“This should also be emphasised and taken into account for the local community’s well-being,” he said in a press conference at PMM premises here yesterday.

Pointing out that the number of gambling centres in Sarawak is more than sufficient, he said the social issues connected with gambling could extend beyond gambling addiction.

He added gambling addition could also lead to other problems such as poverty, criminal activities, domestic violence and even suicide.

“(Therefore) we request the government to take all the complaints of the people who disagree with the proposal to construct a casino in Sarawak seriously.

“This is important to guarantee a Madani community as championed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.”

Radzali said Sarawak already has shown the ability to generate revenue from various sources such as the oil and gas, energy and power generation, plantation and tourism.

He voiced his confidence that with the ability and wisdom of Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg, Sarawak would have more than enough funds to develop the state without the need for additional revenue from casino activities.

At the same time, he suggested that the state government improve its existing welfare programme by offering monthly cash assistance to help ease the people’s cost of living, providing special medical care assistance to the elderly and increasing the benefits of the Kenyalang Gold Card.

Also present were Miri Malay community paramount chief Temenggong Datuk Abdul Rahman Fadzail and other Malay community leaders. – Borneo Post Online, April 18, 2023