ALOR STAR – The opposition in the Kedah assembly today took the state government to task over its decision not to issue or renew gambling licences, including for 4D lottery outlets, arguing that this will only spur underground gambling activities instead.
Ooi Tze Min (Bakar Arang-PH) told the government not to ban licensed lottery outlets in the state as it would eventually encourage illegal gambling.
“The ban on lottery outlets in the state is an infringement of the rights of non-Muslims,” he stressed.
“Gambling is common among older folk and they should be allowed to buy lottery tickets from licensed lottery outlets,” he said in the assembly today.
The PKR rep said there were a total of 45 licensed lottery outlets in the state, including 20 run by Sports Toto outlets, 13 by Magnum, and 12 by Damacai.
“I would suggest an education programme to educate the public on gambling, instead of banning licensed lottery outlets.
“I expect the state to respect the non-Muslims’ individual rights on this matter,” Ooi told the assembly.
He pointed out that cigarettes also affect one’s health, but the government has not banned them, adding that flexibility should be given to gaming and alcohol outlets.
Meanwhile, Tan Kok Yew (Derga-PH), who is the Kedah DAP chairman, stressed that the younger generation has no interest in buying lottery tickets, maintaining that it is a hobby among the older generation of the community.
On November 14, Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor 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 would also restrict the sale of alcohol in public, including on the holiday island of Langkawi.
Gambling licences in Malaysia are subject to the Finance Ministry. However, permission to operate for gambling premises is under the authority of local state authorities.
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.
Tan had reacted to the announcement by expressing concern that the ban would only lead to the problem of illegal gambling, whether online or conducted physically at private premises, becoming more critical.
“Is it true that gambling damages the family institution? I think there are a lot of factors that contribute to the problem and it does not just stem from gambling alone,” he said.
“I don't know why the menteri besar wants to do it now. Is it because he wants to cover up his weaknesses in governing Kedah?” – The Vibes, November 16, 2021
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