ALOR STAR: Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor today said the state government would still ban gaming and lottery outlets even if the state loses RM400 million in revenue due to the move.
He said his administration was adamant about weeding out activities that cause social ills in society.
"Based on 2021 records, gaming and lottery outlets contributed just RM400,000 to the state annually.
"Even if they contribute RM400 million to the state annually, I will still ban them.
"The damage caused by gambling to the family institution is too big. Nobody becomes rich from gambling, except for towkays (gaming operators)," he said after chairing the state executive council meeting at Wisma Darul Aman today.
Sanusi reiterated that the state government would not review the ban on gaming and lottery outlets.
He said the move was not implemented in haste, as an announcement had been made in November 2021.
"I believe lottery outlet operators have prepared to venture into new businesses."
On concerns that the gambling ban would spur illegal gaming, Sanusi said the state would leave the matter to law enforcement agencies.
"At the state level, we will cooperate, through local governments, with the police and other agencies to combat illegal gaming.
"In fact, I ordered for action to be taken against an illegal gaming outlet in Guar Chempedak in 2021."
From Jan 1, legal gaming and lottery outlets in Kedah effectively ceased operations following the implementation of the state government's ban.
In November 2021, Sanusi announced that the state government would not approve new gaming licences or renew existing ones once they expire.
He also announced that the state government would impose stricter regulations on liquor sales in areas with low market demand.
Sanusi reportedly said the decision aimed to curb activities that could lead to social degradation and had nothing to do with racial, religious or political issues.
Kedah's gambling ban follows similar decisions in the Pas-led states of Kelantan and Terengganu.