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Kedah PAS chief Ahmad Yahaya believed the state government’s ban was the right decision, arguing that no religion allows its followers to take part in gambling as it benefits no one except the operators of such premises.
“We regret the actions of gaming companies who only think about their own profits, ignoring the negative effects of gambling addiction in this state.
“Kedah PAS supports the state government’s move to defend its decision in court,” he said in a statement.
This comes after the Alor Setar High Court ruled on June 20 that the state government’s decision not to issue or renew the licences of gaming premises was unconstitutional.
The court ordered the Kedah government, menteri besar, Alor Setar city council and the city’s mayor to compensate gaming operators over their losses from the ban.
In November 2021, Sanusi announced a ban on gaming outlets throughout Kedah by ordering local councils not to renew their annual business licences.
A short reprieve was given later, with licences not to be renewed after Dec 31, 2022, as federal approvals for 4D shops were in effect until then.
Gaming outlets stopped operating in Kedah in 2023 following the state government’s decision.
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