Malaysia’s Finance Ministry has not issued any new licences for gambling activities since the 1990s and has instead focused on regulating existing licensed operations, said Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan.
He said any changes to the country’s gambling policy must take into account the existing legal framework, the effectiveness of implementation and enforcement, the risk of increased illegal gambling activities, and the well-being of Malaysia’s multiracial society.
“The Finance Ministry remains committed to evaluating the effectiveness of the existing regulatory framework to ensure licensed gambling activities operate within the boundaries of established laws and regulations,” he said.
Amir Hamzah added that the ministry worked with various parties, including enforcement agencies, members of the public and other stakeholders, to strengthen regulatory and enforcement measures against illegal gambling.
Complaints and information concerning illegal gambling activities would be referred to the relevant enforcement agencies, including the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), he said.
He was responding to a written parliamentary question from Salamiah Mohd Nor (PN-Temerloh), who asked about the government’s policies, considerations and obstacles in deciding not to issue or renew gambling licences.
His response was published on the Parliament website.
