Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng has dismissed media reports on Sunday, which quoted him saying toy claw machines will be banned by the local councils.
Lim said national news agency Bernama report, which was widely published by others, “put words into my mouth”.
“I never mentioned toy claw machines, it is not banned,” Lim said at a press conference in Komtar today.
“The report is irresponsible and false journalism; if you want to run me down, let it be based on facts,” Lim said.
Other than Bernama, Lim also took to task Chinese dailies Sin Chew Jit Poh and China Press.
The reports quoted Lim saying licenses for simulator machines, including toy claw machines will not be renewed in 2018.
The move is to curb social ills, he told youths at a dialogue session in Cherok To Kun, Bukit Mertajam.
“It is sad because the China Press report even had statements from people who were asked about their opinions about the toy claw machines, which is based on false news,” said the DAP secretary-general.
“The campaign to berate me will not stop, the media will continue to demonise me, but we must not believe their reports,” he added.
Local councils notified about new law
On Sunday, Lim said gambling licenses are issued by the federal, and not Penang government.
However, locals have lodged complaints that simulator machines were abused for gambling while noises from the activity have disturbed the community from night until dawn.
He said the licenses for the machines will be banned to curb social ills.
"The state government will not allow licenses for simulator gambling machines to be renewed in shoplots beginning 2018,” Lim had said.
However, gift simulator machines dubbed “toy claw machines” will be allowed in shopping malls and hotels.
The machine requires people to try their luck in picking up soft toys and figurines by using a claw.
The local councils - Penang Island City Council and Seberang Perai Municipal Council - will be notified of the directive, which was decided by the state executive council, he added. -Mkini
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