ALOR SETAR: Kedah will ban the operation of all gaming shops in the state by not renewing their business licences issued by the local councils in a move “to tackle the ills resulting from gambling”.
Menteri besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor said besides gambling controls, it would also introduce curbs on the sale of alcohol in rural parts of Kedah “where the demand for such drinks is low”.
He said this at a press conference after tabling the 2022 state budget at the Kedah assembly today.
“This is to ensure a Kedah free of gambling, as we all know it has caused the collapse of family institutions and even civilisations, besides resulting in debt problems.
“Those who want to buy (4-D lottery numbers) can go to Penang,” he said.
On limiting alcohol sales, Sanusi said this “would not affect non-Muslim consumers”.
“Last week, the state executive council discussed alcohol sale at duty-free stores in Langkawi, where sales of alcoholic beverages are allowed, and at unlicensed stores in the state. We hope they will no longer sell them openly any more (in Kedah).
“These actions are being taken to ensure Kedahans are always in a sober state of mind,” added Sanusi, without elaborating on what steps would be taken against the sale of alcohol in the state.
He said he would enforce the gambling ban as long as he has the power to do so.
“I do not want to be questioned in the afterlife on what I had done to curb gambling when I led the state government.
“Besides, if I do not act on this (gambling) matter, I will get ‘whacked’ by others.
“The gambling shop owners reap profits, but the consequences of gambling are felt by the people, especially the non-Muslims,” said Sanusi.
He hoped the people of Kedah would understand the actions taken by the state government to ensure the state is gambling-free.
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