Politics · Malaysia Bureau
Government denies issuing new gambling permits since taking office
Malaysia's finance ministry has refuted claims by Kedah's menteri besar that the Madani administration has failed to control gambling activities or approved new licenses. The ministry asserted that all existing gambling permits were issued in the 1990s.
LSN Malaysia ·
The finance ministry moved to counter allegations levelled by Kedah Menteri Besar Sanusi Nor regarding the government's stance on gambling oversight. Sanusi had suggested the Madani administration had not adequately controlled gambling operations or granted fresh permits since assuming power.
In its response, the finance ministry categorically denied these claims, emphasising that no new gambling licenses have been issued under the current government's tenure. Officials stressed that all active gambling permits currently in operation date back to the 1990s, predating the administration's policies.
The denial underscores a point of contention between federal and state authorities over gambling regulation and control measures. The ministry's statement appears designed to address public concerns about the government's commitment to managing gaming activities across the country.
The dispute reflects broader tensions over gambling policy implementation between different levels of Malaysian government. Sanusi's remarks had questioned the effectiveness of Madani's governance in this regulatory area, prompting the ministry's clarification on the timeline and status of permit issuances.