A Sabah casino will likely be frequented by locals

Published on: Sunday, May 21, 2023

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Sabah leaders must think carefully between casino or Changkuling? In Malaysia, gambling is legal as long as the casino holds a licence granted by the Unit Kawalan Perjudian of the Ministry of Finance known as the Betting Control Unit. - Illustration pix by Best Casino Sites

DATUK John Lo in his column in Daily Express 7th May 2023 called on Sabah and Sarawak to fight for their rights to establish a casino in Sabah and Sarawak. According to John there is no discrimination as provided under MA63. If Malaya can have a casino, why can’t Sabah and Sarawak?

The Sabah Chinese Chamber of Commerce sometimes ago claimed the Berjaya Corporation generates an annual income in excess of RM400 million by just operating jackpot machines, gaming and the lotteries in Sabah.

Sabah has issued licences for the operation of jackpot machines in the state. The sad fact is that the majority of loan sharks in the state are from Sarawak and Malaya and yet the Sarawak government has refused to issue such licenses for Jackpot machines in Sarawak. The begging question is Why? Could it be the adverse impact to the social fabric and community?

There was a claim by Penampang pineapple growers that the market value of pineapples enable them to earn RM4,000 every month which means at least RM1,000 can be spent playing jackpot. Penampang has the highest number of jackpot machines in Sabah.

It is no wonder Sabah has become a gambling state rather than a “changkuling state” like Kedah and Kelantan.

Chinese gamblers will prefer Macau because it is closer, cheaper and therefore more money to gamble. A casino in Sabah will only be frequented by “kampong folks” who can least afford it and will further erode their already meagre income.

Sabah leaders must think carefully between casino or Changkuling? In Malaysia, gambling is legal as long as the casino holds a licence granted by the Unit Kawalan Perjudian of the Ministry of Finance known as the Betting Control Unit.

Of course, if the establishment of a casino in Sabah will raise the monthly income of every Sabahan to at least RM4,000, then by all means establish a casino.

Pineapple grower

- The views expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of the Daily Express.

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