Malaysian government denies issuing new gambling licences
The Finance Ministry has insisted that all permits currently in force are based on approvals granted in the 1990s.
Malaysia.- The Finance Ministry has rejected claims that the federal government has issued new gambling licences or allowed an increase in gambling premises. In a statement on Thursday, the ministry said the licences and permits currently in force are based on approvals granted in the 1990s. It also said strict conditions have been imposed on licence holders.
The clarification came after Kedah Chief Minister Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor raised concerns over gambling licences in the state. On August 12, a Federal Court rejected Kedah’s request to appeal a ruling preventing the state from refusing to renew licences for pool betting and lottery businesses.
The ministry said the current government reduced special lottery draws from 22 to eight per year after taking office at the end of 2022. It added that its policy is to limit licensed gambling activities, maintain strict regulation and step up enforcement against unlicensed and online gambling.
