Malaysia’s PM Doesn’t Want Another Casino in the Country

Summary:

• Malaysia’s PM has reiterated that casino players in the country will not benefit from a second casino.
• This comes as a consequence of his decision not to give the green light to a second casino license.
• Instead, the country will focus on other sectors to sustain its economic growth.

Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has once again expressed his decision not to allow a second casino to open in the country.

“Affirmative No!” From PM Anwar

By choosing not to offer a secondary casino license for gambling operators interested in providing their services to domestic players, PM Anwar has expressed his country’s stance on gambling.

“Affirmative no!”, said the PM, further adding that the country “does not have to venture into the second casino business” but instead it should throw the focus on “digital transformation, energy transition, and AI”.

PM Anwar explained that these are some of the industries that can “adequately push the country forward”.

Talking to moderator Haslinda Amin during a plenary session at the Qatar Economic Forum 2024, the PM, who is also the country’s Finance Minister, made it clear that the previously-mentioned sectors are expected to spur economic growth.

The Fourth Edition Qatar Economic Forum participation represents just one part of the PM’s official visit to Qatar scheduled between May 12 and May 14.

PM Anwar was invited by the Amir of the State of Qatar His Highness Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani.

This year’s Bloomberg-powered edition of the forum reunited over 50 nations worldwide, which represented 50% of the global population, all preparing for elections that will set the roadmap for geopolitical risk and decide our shared future.

Controversial Rumors Regarding a Second Casino License

The country’s only casino license was issued in 1969 to Genting.

In April, the PM denied a series of allegations claiming talks on a possible second casino that would open in Johor’s Forest City.

Genting and Berjaya are the two groups that were allegedly involved in the same talks.

The two published their official statements in which they refuted the allegations. Berjaya threatened rumor-spreaders with legal action.

At the end of February, gaming group Resorts World Genting announced that Genting Casino 1 (Circus Palace) and Genting Casino 2 (Hollywood) will be officially closed.