The country will be at risk of facing revenue loss after the Perlis state administration decided to stop renewing operating licences of gambling premises after March next year, said numbers forecast operator Da Ma Cai.
While the closing of betting outlets in the northern state would only cost an annual revenue of RM2,544 for Perlis, a spokesperson from Da Ma Cai said it would affect Putrajaya tremendously as the industry generates substantial tax revenue for the federal government.
In a response via email to questions by Malaysiakini, he said the closing of such gaming outlets would also result in the loss of jobs for those working in the industry.
“This could affect their livelihoods and cause an economic downturn in the area,” he said.
He also warned of the occurrence of social issues following the halt in renewing operating licences for such outlets.
“As we are unable to operate, individuals will turn to illegal numbers forecast syndicates or unregulated online gambling platforms that are often accessible 24-7, which may increase the risk of addiction and more social issues.”
The spokesperson divulged that there were no prior briefings from the Kangar municipal council on the matter.
Therefore, he said that Da Ma Cai had sent a letter to the municipal council yesterday and is still waiting for a response.
Da Ma Cai has an outlet in Padang Besar, while Magnum 4D’s only outlet in the state is situated in Kangar.
STM Lottery Sdn Bhd, previously known as Sports Toto Malaysia, has four outlets in Perlis – two located in Kangar and one each in Kuala Perlis and Padang Besar.
Meanwhile, Magnum 4D declined to comment, when contacted.
Earlier, Malaysiakini reported that STM had also written to the Kangar municipal council, seeking a meeting with its president Norazlan Yahya.
It is still awaiting the municipal council’s response.
Yesterday, state housing and local government committee chairperson Fakhrul Anwar Ismail said the decision is in line with the stand of the PN coalition to stop gambling activities after taking over the administration of the state government.
Fakhrul also said the action was not taken in a drastic manner, adding that the Kangar municipal council had given a verbal briefing and issued a notification letter to the entrepreneurs involved.
He pointed out that closing gambling premises is not a new thing as it has been implemented in other PAS-PN-helmed states of Kelantan, Terengganu, and Kedah. - Mkini
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