PN distances itself from Kedah gambling ban

PN distances itself from Kedah gambling ban

Business licences of gaming operators in Kedah will not be renewed, effectively creating a ban on gambling in the PAS-run state.

MERLIMAU: The Perikatan Nasional coalition appeared to distance itself today from a ban on gaming outlets in Kedah, with PN information chief Azmin Ali calling for more discussions to be held.

He said the decision was made by the Kedah state government and not the party.

Azmin said the coalition wanted to maintain “a very harmonious situation in Malaysia, including in Kedah, because we are a multiracial and religious society. With this, I would like to see more engagement to be conducted with various parties and communities.”

He added that there was a need for more understanding and mutual respect.

The gaming ban was announced yesterday by Kedah menteri besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor of PAS who heads a Perikatan Nasional coalition government of PAS and Bersatu, with the support of Umno.

Sanusi said local councils would not renew the business licences of gaming outlets, in effect creating a ban on four-digit operators such as Magnum 4D, Sports Toto and Damacai.

He said the negative impact of gaming operations and the scourge of gambling outweighed the benefits of continuing with the activity just to let them keep their businesses and jobs.

Earlier today, he urged the operators of the gaming outlets to be creative and seek other avenues of business.