ALOR STAR – Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor has called on all owners of gambling premises who are not allowed to operate in the state to find other business alternatives to survive.
Sanusi said he also believes that not many people in the state will be affected or unemployed as a result of the decision to shutter gambling premises in Kedah.
“I don't see many people involved in gambling premises, compared to the damage done by them.
“Look for other businesses. During the pandemic, many people lost their jobs and did all kinds of businesses.
“We need to be creative,” he said at a press conference following the state assembly session today.
Yesterday, Sanusi announced that the state will neither issue new licences nor renew existing ones for gambling effective immediately.
Sanusi, who is also state PAS deputy commissioner, said that apart from gambling licences, the state government will also restrict the sale of alcohol in public, including at the holiday island of Langkawi.
Liquor will only be allowed to be sold to non-Muslim consumers.
The announcement, however, received mixed reactions from various quarters who were generally shocked by the actions of the Jeneri assemblyman.
Gambling licences in Malaysia are subject to the Finance Ministry. However, permission to operate gambling premises falls under the authority of local governments.
Sanusi said that his administration wants to make Kedah into a “gambling-free state”, claiming that gambling is the cause of the collapse of family institutions and the nation’s civilisation. – The Vibes, November 15, 2021
