KANGAR: The Perlis Perikatan Nasional (PN) government looks set to emulate its northern neighbours Kedah in implementing a ban on gaming and lottery activities in the state.
Perlis Menteri Besar Mohd Shukri Ramli said the move is being planned but added that the administration needs time to study all aspects before enforcing the ban.
"For now, I am still studying all aspects regarding the regulations before deciding on the next course of action.
"InsyaAllah (God willling), once I am done evaluating all the aspects concerned with the state legal advisor, I will make an announcement," he told reporters after delivering the Menteri Besar's executive talk to civil servants in Perlis at Dewan 2020 here today.
Shukri said the matter has been made a priority for the administration after receiving a strong mandate from voters during the 15th General Election.
"I am committed to ensuring that our people will live in peace without the element of gambling.
"We will study all the relevant aspects before we roll out any move," he said.
Meanwhile, Indera Kayangan assemblyman, Gan Ay Ling – the only opposition representative in the Perlis legislative assembly, urged the state to step up enforcement against gambling activities among the Muslim community.
"The state government should step up enforcement on the Muslim community while educating the people on the negative impact of gambling on their lives," said Gan, who is also the state PKR vice-chairman.
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, Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor had announced that the state government would not approve new gaming licences or renew existing ones once they expire.
He also announced that the Kedah government would impose stricter regulations on liquor sales in areas with low market demand.
Sanusi was quoted as saying that the decision was aimed at curbing 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.