KUANTAN: Pahang will propose to the Federal Government to reject the application by Berjaya Group to operate another casino at Berjaya Hills Resort in Bentong.
State Islamic Religions and Special Tasks Committee chairman Datuk Syed Ibrahim Syed Ahmad said Malaysians, especially the Muslims, should oppose gambling activities.
"We may lose (in term of investment and other benefits) but we cannot jeopardise our religion. The people can still live without problems if no casino was built in the country," he said when contacted today.
He was commenting on Berjaya Group founder Tan Sri Vincent Tan's statement that he would apply for a licence to operate a casino at Berjaya Hills Resort and would invest RM3 billion to set up the complex.
Tan was quoted saying that the complex would benefit Malaysia in foreign exchange and help employ about 10,000 locals.
Tan had applied for a licence to operate a casino at the location 10 years ago but it was rejected.
Berjaya Hills, located near the country's only casino in Genting Highlands, has a permit to operate slot machines
Syed Ibrahim said he would oppose the plan to open the casino if it was brought to the executive council meeting.