Reports by MARTIN CARVALHO and TARRENCE TAN

       SHUTTING down licensed gaming outlets in Kedah will result in illegal gambling dens popping up in the northern state, says Human Resource Minister Datuk Seri M. Saravanan.

       “My personal view is that our friends will lose their jobs.

       “Also, we have had past experiences when samsu (cheap liquor) shops were made illegal – the operators went underground.

       “Thus, the impact if we ban licenced gaming outlets will not only result in loss of jobs, but illegal gambling dens will also start emerging,” he said when wrapping up his ministerial replies on Budget 2022 in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday.

       RSN Rayer (PH-Jelutong) had asked for the ministry’s view on the move by the Kedah government.

       On Sunday, Kedah Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor announced that the state’s local councils would stop issuing business operating licences to gaming outlets, while those whose licences were valid could continue operating until their licences expired.

       Kedah’s decision not to grant or renew the local business operating licences of gaming outlets had drawn flak from several quarters.

       The decision was said to go against the principles of multiculturalism and pluralism in Malaysia.