ALOR SETAR – Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammed Sanusi Md Nor has declared “war” on gambling in the state, warning that local authorities will come after those peddling lottery gaming.
“We will take action. And those resorting to illegal gaming services, you had better watch out, we are coming after you.
“We will know what to do with the illegal (gaming) operators. Some say that it is easier to close the licensed ones, but we also know who the illegal ones are. You wait, we will know what to do if you persist.”
Sanusi, who is also PAS election director, said he is made aware of sundry shops that are peddling numbers rackets seeing that the state plans to ban all lottery number outlets when their council permits expire.
Most of the licences are expected to expire by December or early next year.
There are about 100 gaming outlets operating in Langkawi, Kota Setar, Kubang Pasu and Sg Petani.
Last November, Sanusi disclosed a move to ban all forms of gambling in the state, making it the second state after Kelantan in disallowing lottery number outlets to operate.
He told those keen to utilise such services to “flock” to neighbouring Penang to “buy numbers”.
In a fiery speech when opening the Jerai parliamentary community carnival at Guar Chempedak last night, Sanusi said that the state will not compromise and will take stern action against sundry shop operators who offer gambling services to consumers here.
He added that this “war” applies to cyber cafe operators who offer access to online gambling.
“We will pay serious attention to activities that harm the community. But if it benefits the public, we will try our best to make it available.”
The state’s decision was not well-received by its diverse community as recreational gaming is considered part and parcel of life here.
Kedah’s hard-line decision not to grant or renew the local business operating licences of gaming outlets goes against the principles of multiculturalism and pluralism of Malaysia, said MCA vice-president Datuk Tan Teik Cheng.
State DAP chairman Tan Kok Yew had also urged Sanusi to focus on more pertinent issues such as the pandemic, reviving the economy and ensuring adequate piped water supply to rural communities.
Tan said Sanusi has become notorious for bringing attention to himself when he should be focusing on developing Kedah. – The Vibes, March 6, 2022
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