MOF rebuts Kedah MB, saying MADANI Government never issued new gambling licences

The Ministry of Finance (MOF) has refuted allegations that the MADANI Government has eased restrictions on gambling or issued new licences in Kedah. According to the MOF, it did not grant any new gambling licences or expand the number of gambling outlets since its inception. When Kedah's Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor, made remarks about gambling licences in the state, the ministry said the claims were misleading and could give the impression that the Federal Government had broadened licensed gambling operations.

The MOF mentioned that during the 2020-2022 Federal Government administration, which included PAS, no proposal or decision was made to ban licensed gambling nationwide or revoke existing licences. In 2020, the Pakatan Harapan-led Federal Government decided to reduce the number of special draws from 22 to eight per year. However, the subsequent Perikatan Nasional and Barisan Nasional-led Federal Government restored this number to 22 special draws annually.

Upon assuming federal power at the end of 2022, the MADANI Government reversed this increase, reducing the number of special draws to eight per year starting from January 2023. The MOF clarified that the MADANI Government had never issued any new gambling licences or permits, nor expanded the number of gambling venues. The total number of licences and permits in force still adheres to approvals from the 1990s.

The ministry emphasized the continued strict regulation of the gambling industry under the MADANI Government, stating that it maintains a firm and responsible approach by limiting licensed gambling activities, enforcing strict conditions, and cracking down on unlicensed and online gambling. This clarification comes as tensions between the Federal and Kedah governments persist over the regulation of licensed gambling activities in the PAS-led state.