KUCHING – State Education, Innovation and Talent Development Minister Datuk Roland Sagah Wee Inn has no qualms about opening a casino in Borneo Highlands.
He said he supports the idea as the casino may help spur the state’s economy.
“I still remember many years ago when Singapore also opposed the idea of having a casino, but eventually, they allowed gambling in Singapore, and we see how it (has) developed. But of course, with all this, we must have certain guidelines to control gambling in our state.
“It’s not just a free-for-all, you know. At the same time, this is a way for us to attract private investors in this field,” he told a press conference after officiating the Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA) Bidayuh Graduate Association (BGA) symposium at the association’s multipurpose hall here today.
Sagah also believes there is no harm in having a casino, saying those who don’t know how to gamble or are not allowed to gamble will not need to visit it.
“We are a free world, but those with lots of money to gamble – go ahead.
“It helps to spur our economy. Of course, I support the idea and I think from what I heard from our colleagues in DBNA and BGA, they are very receptive to this idea.”
State Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah recently said the possibility of developing Borneo Highlands into the country’s “second Genting Highlands” could not be ruled out.
“I can’t say yes or no (to having casinos opened in Borneo Highlands) at the moment. I guess we’ll leave it to the state government to decide whether to allow casinos to be built there.
“It can be a good idea if regulated properly (because) Singapore can do it. I think why not, as long as it does not lead to big social problems,” he was reported as saying.
Reporters had asked Karim about the state government’s development plans for Borneo Highlands.
This came after a Federal Court decision earlier this month dismissing an application by a company for leave to appeal against an order made by the Sarawak Land and Survey Department superintendent to forfeit three parcels of land meant for the development of Borneo Highlands Resort. – Borneo Post Online, March 25, 2023
