Kedah to Stop Approving Gambling Licenses

The government of Kedah, the most ancient city in Malaysia, has reportedly banned all 4D lottery shops and other gambling businesses in the state.

The Kedah government decided to make the move after organizing an executive council meeting last week where gambling was considered a 'social vice' alongside drinking alcoholic beverages.

To ensure that gambling becomes a past occurrence in the state, the government ordered its local authorities not to renew existing gambling premises' gambling licenses or approve new gambling operators.

Although the government was not closing any existing gambling business, each would not be able to operate anymore in the state upon the expiration of their licenses.

By implementing these policies, the state government led by Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor hoped that gambling would die a natural death in the state.

Gambling has caused much damage and led to the downfall of human civilisations, especially family institutions. Many who are involved in gambling will be crippled by debts, and this will cause disharmony in the family and chaos in the community. The government is taking the responsibility to ensure Kedah will be free from gambling, (so) under the jurisdiction of the local authorities, we have decided to no longer approve licences for gambling premises.

Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md NorMenteri Besar of Kedah