THE OPENING of casinos in Sarawak should be opposed at all cost because it does more harm than good to Sarawakians.
Moreover, most tourists from outside the state are not keen to gamble or go to the casino, but they visit Sarawak to enjoy the state’s natural beauty, according to PAS Sarawak commissioner Jofri Jaraiee.
“Casinos are not suitable to be built in Sarawak because there are still many Sarawakians who are poor and need government assistance to ease the burden of their daily lives,” he pointed out in HarakahDaily.
“In a worsening economic situation, the government needs to take the initiative to help the people by providing more halal job opportunities and guaranteeing their survival, not by spending money on gambling.”
For context, Sarawak’s Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah has chosen not to rule out the possibility of developing the area in Padawan into Malaysia’s “second Genting Highlands”.
“I can’t say yes or no (to having casinos opened in Borneo Highlands) at the moment. I guess we’ll leave it to the state government to decide whether to allow casinos to be built there,” he told a media conference after chairing the State Tourism Steering Committee meeting on March 21.
“It can be a good idea if regulated properly (because) Singapore can do it. I think why not, as long as it does not lead to big social problems.”
Malaysia Association of Hotels (MAH) Sarawak Chapter chairman John Teo has told the Borneo Post that taking into consideration that casino tax is 35% of gross gaming revenue, having a casino would significantly improve Sarawak’s gross domestic product (GDP).
He further projected that there would also be huge employment opportunities for at least 10,000 locals with salaries ranging from RM3,000 to above RM18,000 (senior manager), while a vice-president at a casino could earn over RM25,000 per month.
“With the influx of tourists going to the casino, as well as many of the high rollers, Sarawak will be able to attract more five-star properties, five-star service standards, with five-star rated tourists,” he enthused.
“Indirectly, all the businesses in Sarawak will increase three-fold and we will be able to see many more quality tourism products coming up. With all the business coming in, this will lead to Sarawakians earning at least a minimum of RM3,000 salary, not the present RM1,500.”
However, PAS Sarawak is not impressed by counter-arguing that all religions forbid their disciples to gamble because the negative effects of gambling can disrupt family harmony by landing many households in debt.
“Gambling may be full of fun and promises instant wealth (which is not yet certain) but eventually becomes an excuse for someone to cheat and oppress others,” rebutted Jofri who has been PAS Sarawak commissioner since 2015.
“The people who profit from gambling are the rulers, and those who run the business as opposed to the common people; the rich get richer, and the poor continue to live in poverty.” – April 18, 2023
