The government has clarified that no new gambling licences or permits have been issued, including approvals to expand the number of licensed gambling premises across the country.
The Finance Ministry said all gambling licences and permits currently in existence were issued based on approvals granted since the 1990s.
The ministry also described recent comments by Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor regarding gambling licences in the state as misleading, saying the remarks could create the impression that the Madani government had approved new licences or allowed an increase in gambling outlets.
Sanusi was previously reported as saying that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had the authority to determine whether gambling activities could continue in Kedah.
His remarks came after the Federal Court rejected an application for leave to appeal against a Court of Appeal decision concerning the policy of not renewing gambling business licences.
Sanusi had said the Finance Ministry was now responsible for deciding whether gambling licences should be approved in Kedah, questioning whether the federal government would act on the matter.
In response, the Finance Ministry said it remained committed to enforcing all terms and conditions imposed on existing licence holders.
“The Madani government continues to take a firm and responsible approach by limiting licensed gambling activities, ensuring strict regulation, and intensifying action against unlicensed and online gambling,” the ministry said in a statement.
The ministry also pointed out that there had been no move to impose a nationwide ban on licensed gambling or cancel existing licences during the federal administration from 2020 to 2022, which included PAS.
Records from the ministry showed that the Pakatan Harapan government reduced the number of special draws from 22 to eight per year in 2020.
However, the frequency was subsequently raised again to 22 special draws annually under the following Perikatan Nasional and Barisan Nasional administration.
The ministry’s latest clarification comes amid continued debate over the regulation of gambling activities, particularly at state level, with the federal government maintaining that existing licensed operations remain subject to strict controls and enforcement.
