AS Muslims usher in the commencement of the fasting month today (March 12), northern state Perlis is rejoicing its success to ensure “zero operation of gambling premises” in the state.
By becoming the fourth PAS-ruled state (after Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu) to ban gambling premises from operating, Perlis Menteri Besar Mohd Shukri Ramli is hopeful of the smallest state in Malaysia to receive Ramadan blessings.
“Alhamdulillah, this Ramadan will be more meaningful and blessed for Perlis,” the Sanglang state assemblyman pointed out in a social media post. “With the final closure of gambling premises in Padang Besar, Perlis is now officially the fourth state free (100%) of gambling premises.”
For the uninitiated, the smallest of four PAS-ruled states shut down its last betting 4D outlet last Wednesday (March 6) to become the latest state that has phased out gambling under the Perikatan Nasional (PN) banner.
The Da Ma Cai shop was located in Padang Besar which is about 57km southwest of Hat Yai, a popular tourist destination among Malaysians.
Perlis had six lottery outlets previously (which included Magnum 4D and Sports Toto) but they had ceased operations between July and October last year after the state government announced that it would no longer renew the operating licenses for betting outlets.
Meanwhile, the Housing, Local Government, Human Resource Development and Poverty Eradication state EXCO Asrul Aimran Abd Jalil said that the act of suspending gambling premises licenses is for the safety and well-being of the people.
“The state government is well aware that gambling activities bring more harm than good, hence the decision to discontinue renewal of licenses for gambling premises is to ensure that the people of various religions and races in this state can live harmoniously and prosperously,” contended the Kayang state assemblyman in a recent Facebook post.
Asrul also stressed that the state government will continue to cooperate with the authorities and agencies responsible to combat illegal gambling activities.
“In facing this challenge, the public is advised to unite by providing information to ensure that this issue can be dealt with effectively,” he added. – March 12, 2024
Main image credit: HarakahDaily
