Malaysia won't issue new gambling licences, ministry clarifies

The Ministry of Finance has clarified that the government will not be issuing new gambling licences, instead focusing on regulating existing operations currently in place. The statement came in response to a Kedah Member of Parliament's enquiry regarding the state's efforts to reinstate its gambling ban.

The ministry warned that any amendments to gambling policies must be carefully considered in light of constitutional provisions. This caveat suggests potential legal complexities surrounding moves to tighten or eliminate gambling operations at the state level.

Kedah has been seeking to reinstate its ban on gambling activities, marking a shift in the state's regulatory approach. The ministry's position indicates a middle-ground stance that would maintain the status quo for existing licensed operators while preventing expansion of the sector through new licences.

The clarification addresses growing concerns about gambling regulation across Malaysian states, with different jurisdictions taking varying approaches to the issue. Officials have indicated that any policy changes in this area will require careful navigation of constitutional and legal frameworks.