IT appears the recent high court ruling over Kedah’s directive, instructing local authorities not to issue or renew gambling business licenses will affect more than just Kedah.
According to law expert, Zulqarnain Lukman, the state’s right to issue gambling premises licenses is a power derived from federal authority.
“Now, if any non-Muslim wants to open a gambling shop in Kelantan, the Kelantan local authorities have no choice but to allow gambling premises to operate in the state,” he said.
But will Kelantan follow suit? Highly unlikely if the opinion of Guchil state legislative assemblyman Hilmi Abdullah holds any weight on this matter.
According to him, the Chinese and non-Muslim communities in Kelantan were no longer interested in gambling.
He claimed this was because they could face domestic problems if they became involved in such activities.
“Kelantan Chinese are no longer interested in gambling at shops. Their wives would be angry,” he said jokingly in a brief response to Malaysiakini today.
‘Cina Kelantan tak minat berjudi di kedai, isteri marah’ https://t.co/4W1b76aQ3c
— Malaysiakini (BM) (@mkini_bm) August 17, 2026
His response has since ignited some fiery response from our fellow netizens, as seen in a post from Malaysiakini.
“Who are they to act as spokespersons for the Chinese community?” @BanDen17 wondered while @Zaryna84 pointed out that Thailand wasn’t too far away from Kelantan.
Then there was @RajaMohdShahrim claiming that the rate of illegal gambling was highest in Kelantan.
Check out this response from @dk_derick72 too:
Away from the comment section, Chempaka State Legislative Assemblyman Nik Baharum Nik Abdullah jokingly added that people in Kelantan nowadays recognised the term Toto as a sleeping mat, and Magnum as a brand of ice cream.
“There is no reason to bring an undesirable culture back. Yes, it will not happen if PAS remains in power in Kelantan,” he added.—Aug 18, 2026
Main image: ohmymedia.cc
