KANGAR: The move to not renew gaming licences will lead to more illegal number betting syndicates in Perlis, says Indera Kayangan assemblyman Gan Ay Ling.
Gan, who has questioned the lack of transparency in the state’s move to halt local business licences for number gaming outlets, said this would lead to people seeking illegal number bookies.
“There are six gaming shops in the state; if their licences are not renewed, they will not be able to operate.
“From my knowledge, one outlet’s licence will expire in July.
“With Kedah having closed their gaming outlets, people have to consider going to Perak or Penang or asking someone to help them buy it.
“This does not sound feasible in the long run, which will eventually lead to more illegal means of gaming, which is not something we want,” she said.
Gan said she had heard of illegal gaming happening in Perlis but it was not a serious problem.
“Many years ago, I knew there was a bust, but not in recent times. We would like to keep it that way and not increase the chances for such illegal activities,” she said.
Gan, who is the lone opposition lawmaker in a Perikatan Nasional-ruled state, felt there was a lack of communication between the local council and state government.
“It was raised during the last state assembly sitting that there would be a discussion with the state executive councillors and legal representatives about the pros and cons of number betting outlets before a decision is made.
“This has yet to be done but the local council has chosen not to renew their licence,” she said.
Gan said this had left her tongue-tied because, although the non-Muslim community in Perlis made up only about 10% of the population, this decision did affect them.
“While I understand that gaming is not entirely a positive thing, it has never caused any issues in the state.
“We have far more important issues to tackle, like poverty and building the state’s economy.
“This is a non-problem made into an issue,” she said.
“A sudden decision like this made by the local government makes it difficult to trust the administration, as this could lead to other decisions being made without a clear discussion.”
A local who wished to be known as Vasu said it would feel “weird” if the outlets suddenly closed.
“I make small bets to try my luck. I do not spend much, but it makes me happy, and it is my way of going out of the house for an outing. I would probably feel lost if they stopped operating,” he said.
Vasu, a retiree in his 60s, said he had heard of illegal bookies but had never considered them.
It was earlier reported that gaming outlets in Perlis were issued notices that their business operating licences would not be renewed.
