The Malaysian finance ministry has dismissed accusations made by Kedah Chief Minister Sanusi Nor regarding the issuance of new gambling permits, asserting that no such permits have been granted since the 1990s. Local media reported that the ministry emphasized its commitment to maintaining existing licensed gambling outlets, which have not expanded since then.
“The number of existing licences and permits remain the same as those approved since the 1990s,” the ministry stated, reinforcing the Madani government’s dedication to a “stern and responsible approach” in regulating gambling activities.
The ministry's statement comes amid a legal dispute that saw the Federal Court on August 12 dismiss Kedah’s attempt to overturn a ruling that prevented the state from refusing to renew licenses for pool betting and lottery enterprises.
According to Bernama, the three-judge panel determined that Kedah had not met the requirements under Section 96(a) of the Courts of Judicature Act 1964 for overturning a civil decision, resulting in an order for the state to pay RM50,000 ($12,397) in legal expenses. Previously, the Court of Appeal had ruled that states cannot impose broad bans on gambling based solely on moral objections to such activities. The court clarified that state licensing should primarily consider local conditions related to safety and suitability rather than general opposition to gambling.
The finance ministry also noted that from 2020 to 2022, during the period when the Malaysian Islamic Party held power in the federal government, there were no actions taken to either ban licensed gambling or revoke existing permits. Instead, the number of special lottery draws was increased from eight to 22 each year. Following the transition to the current Madani administration, this number was reverted back to eight.
Earlier this year, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said that a new law aimed at curbing illegal gambling is presently under consideration. This proposed legislation may be established as a distinct act or included within existing cybercrime laws, like the 1953 Common Gaming Houses Act, which defines gaming as “the playing of any game of chance or of mixed chance and skill for money or money’s worth.”
