The move intended to tackle social ills caused by gambling.
Kedah will enforce an effective ban on the operations of all gaming shops by not renewing business licences issued by the local councils, according to its Menteri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor.
It was reported that the controversial state leader said the move was intended to tackle social ills caused by gambling, such as the collapse of family institutions.
“Those who want to buy (4-D lottery draws) can go to Penang.
“I am a Muslim and cannot gamble. Later in the hereafter, I will be asked what I did on this issue, and if I did not do anything, I will be punished (kena tibai). While I have the power, I should use it,” he said at a press conference after he tabled the 2022 state budget at the Kedah assembly.
“When there are such premises, there are such activities, and not only non-Muslims (are involved), so I hope (this decision) can be understood as fairly as possible,” he added.
Not content with this, the PAS lawmaker said that his government would also introduce curbs on the sale of alcohol in rural Kedah.
The state exco meeting last week, he said, decided to limit the sale of liquor in all premises, especially in rural areas where there is no demand.
“We have also discussed with duty-free shops in Langkawi and other shops that do not have a licence so that they no longer sell alcohol openly to ensure that our people remain sane.”
According to Sanusi, the state will not renew the business licences for gaming shops and said the decision will take effect from next year.