KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 27 — The Finance Ministry today described recent remarks by Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor on gambling licences in the state as misleading, saying the Madani government has not issued new gambling licences or increased the number of gambling premises.
The ministry said Sanusi’s remarks, recently reported by the media, could give the impression that the Madani government was not controlling gambling activities or had approved new licences to increase the number of gambling premises in Kedah.
“Throughout the federal government’s administration from 2020 to 2022, which also included PAS, there was never any proposal or decision to ban licensed gambling activities nationwide or abolish existing licences,” it said in a statement.
The ministry said records showed that the Pakatan Harapan federal government in 2020 had decided to reduce the number of special draws from 22 to eight a year.
“Subsequently, the federal government under Perikatan Nasional and Barisan Nasional in 2020 decided to increase or restore the frequency of special draws to 22 times a year,” it said.
“After the Madani government took over the federal administration in late 2022, one of its first decisions was to reverse the increase and reduce the frequency of special draws from 22 to eight times a year, effective January 2023,” it added.
The ministry stressed that the Madani government had never issued any new gambling licences or permits and had not increased the number of new gambling shops.
“The number of licences and permits in force remains based on the number of existing licence approvals since the 1990s,” it said.
“As a control measure, the Finance Ministry has also imposed strict conditions on licence holders,” it added.
The ministry said the Madani government continued to adopt a firm and responsible approach by limiting licensed gambling activities, ensuring strict regulation and stepping up enforcement against unlicensed and online gambling.
Date: 27 August, 2026 4:48 pm
Source: Malay Mail
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