Betting shops forced to close in Malaysia

Number forecast operators have announced the closure of betting shops in the country until at least January 26.

Malaysia.- Betting outlets run by number forecast operators (NFOs) closed once again due to an increase in Covid-19 cases and new restrictions implemented by the Malaysian government.

Sports Toto Malaysia Sdn, Magnum Bhd and Pan Malaysian Pools Sdn have shut betting outlets in areas affected by the government’s movement control orders (MCO).

The orders affect the states Penang, Selangor, Melaka, Johor and Sabah, as well as the federal territories of Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Labuan. Outlets will remain closed until at least January 26. Business in other regions will continue as normal.

Sports Toto and Magnum said draws will proceed as usual. Sports Toto has encouraged customers to buy advance draw tickets or buy tickets on non-draw days to reduce physical contact at its outlets.

Only one company, Da Ma Cai, announced the suspension of its draw and said refunds will be made upon production of original tickets when its betting shops resume operations in MCO areas or via its mobile app.

Covid-19 in Malaysia

The country is currently facing a new wave of Covid-19 cases. It recorded 3,309 new cases in the 24 hours up to noon on Tuesday, a new daily record.

This brought the national tally of infections to 141,533. A total of 559 people have died in Malaysia from Covid-19 according to the Ministry of Health.

The latest measures announced by Malaysia’s prime minister, Muhyiddin Yassin, will last at least until January 26.

Interstate travel is banned across the country, while journeys between districts are not allowed within states placed under the MCO.

Resorts World Genting (RWG) at Genting Highlands near the capital Kuala Lumpur has reduced its capacity limit.