Malaysian Islamist Political Party Plans to Close the Country’s Sole Casino

Similar to other countries across Asia, Malaysia has strict rules when it comes to gambling activities. There is a single casino in the country that allows visitors aged 21 or older to participate in Las Vegas-style casino gambling. However, the growing presence of one Islamic party seeks to effectively shut down the sole casino, citing religious concerns.

Parti Islam Se-Malaysia Grows Its Presence, Attracts Supporters

Several years ago, in 2022, Parti Islam Se-Malaysia (PAS), the Malaysian Islamic Party, became the largest individual party in the country. The 2022 Malaysian general election gave the party a solid boost after it won 43 of the 222 seats in the country’s federal parliament.

At the time, out of a total of 13 states in Malaysia, the party was able to gain control of four. Since then, PAS has been attracting more supporters and growing its presence.

Now, a newly released report suggests that the Islamist political party will aim at closing the only casino in Malaysia. Genting Bhd, a subsidiary of the recognizable gaming and entertainment group, Genting Group, offers gambling at the country’s sole casino located in Pahang state.

Gambling Is Harmful and It Needs to Be Stopped

As announced by Bloomberg, Genting Bhd’s casino in Pahang state is in the sights of PAS, with the Islamist political party confirming its intention to shut down the casino. The potential shutdown is contingent on PAS’ win in Pahang state within the upcoming elections planned for 2028.

Not unexpectedly, the Islamist political party backed its intention on a religious ground. The Koran, the sacred Islamic book, forbids gambling activities.

In the words of Andansura Rabu, the deputy commissioner of PAS for Pahang state, “Gambling is harmful, so we have to close it.” The deputy commissioner spoke during PAS’ annual meeting. Although he confirmed his anti-gambling position, Rabu explained that the prohibition needs to be “in accordance with the laws and constitution.”

PAS’ deputy commissioner for Pahang state added: “Anything that can harm society, we must together support its destruction. This isn’t a matter of religion, it’s a social issue.”

Malaysia May Miss on Billions of Annual Casino Revenue

The potential ban on casino gambling in Malaysia may have a detrimental effect. On one hand, the potential shutdown of the sole casino would result in losses of jobs. On the other, the country’s coffers used to benefit from more than $1 billion in annual revenue from Genting’s casino.

The decrease in traveling due to the pandemic in the last few years impacted casino revenue. Still, if Genting’s casino is shut down, a significant revenue gap may be created which may pose further challenges to lawmakers in the country.