The Malaysian state of Kedah is weighing a plan to eliminate licensed gaming operations by simply not renewing those licenses. Malaysian Human Resource Minister Datuk Seri M. Saravanan warns that shutting down those outlets will destroy jobs and send the industry underground.
At a 2022 budget meeting, Saravanan said, “My personal view is that our friends will lose their jobs. Also, we have had past experiences when samsu (cheap liquor) shops were made illegal—the operators went underground.
“Thus, the impact if we ban licensed gaming outlets will not only result in loss of jobs, but illegal gambling dens will also start emerging.”
Kedah is one of three Malaysian states governed by Islamist party Parti Islam SeMalaysia, reported Asia Gaming Brief.
