Malaysia’s Federal Court rules out appeal over gambling licences in Kedah
The Federal Court has rejected the Kedah government’s bid to appeal a ruling against its decision to stop issuing gambling licences.
Malaysia.- The Federal Court has dismissed the Kedah government’s application for leave to appeal a ruling that overturned its decision to stop issuing and renewing business licences for pool betting operators. A three-judge panel unanimously rejected the application, finding that the government had failed to meet a legal threshold under Section 96(a) of the Courts of Judicature Act 1964.
A December 2025 Court of Appeal ruling on a 2-1 majority held that Kedah’s policy was irrational and unconstitutional. The majority said the state had exceeded its constitutional powers by imposing a state-wide prohibition on an matter reserved for the federal government.
Following the Federal Court decision, lawyer Brian Foong Mun Loong, representing gambling operators, said his clients would now apply for business premises licences. Kedah PAS commissioner Ahmad Yahaya said the party respected the court’s decision but remained committed to efforts to eliminate gambling in the state. The state was also ordered to pay MYR50,000 (US$12,200) in costs.
