An Islamic party has expressed intentions to shut down Malaysia’s only casino if they gain control of the state where it is located, as the group seeks to expand its influence in the Southeast Asian country, according to the Bangkok Post.
A senior official from the Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS) stated that if voters in the central state of Pahang, home to the Genting Bhd casino, wish to put an end to gambling, they should elect PAS. The party is leveraging the concerns of the majority-Muslim population about gambling, which is prohibited in the Quran, the sacred text of Islam.
PAS has been gaining traction since the 2022 elections, which made it the largest party in the federal parliament. They currently control four out of Malaysia’s 13 states and have their sights set on winning Pahang in the next national election, scheduled for early 2028.
The Islamic party aims to shut down Malaysia’s sole casino.
“Gambling is harmful, so we must shut it down,” said Andansura Rabu, a PAS leader in Pahang, at the party’s annual meeting. “But it has to be in accordance with the law and the constitution.”
While federal government decisions regarding casino licenses and gaming in Malaysia are tightly controlled, PAS is strategizing to gain a foothold in the state of Pahang, where the country’s only casino is located.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has already ruled out the possibility of a second casino resort this year, according to the Straits Times (Singapore).
Pre-pandemic, this casino was a significant revenue generator for Malaysia’s economy.
According to a report by Kay Hian of UOB, a Singapore-based brokerage firm, the Genting casino contributed up to 5 billion ringgit ($1.16 billion) annually to the Malaysian government’s coffers before the pandemic.
When PAS emerged as the largest party after the 2022 elections, Genting’s stock took a hit but recovered as Anwar formed a unity government. However, with PAS’s growing influence and their anti-gambling stance, there is uncertainty about the future of the casino industry in Malaysia, particularly if they gain control of Pahang state in the upcoming 2028 elections.
Genting Malaysia Closes Two of Its Three Casinos
Earlier this year, Genting Malaysia Bhd shut down two of its three casinos at Genting Highlands, marking the end of an era for gamblers who had patronized this iconic gaming destination. In a brief statement on the Resorts World Genting (RWG) website, the company announced the closure of Genting Casino 1 (Circus Palace) and Genting Casino 2 (Hollywood) effective February 28, as quoted by Free Malaysia Today.
RWG is Malaysia’s leading integrated resort destination, boasting approximately 10,500 rooms across seven hotels. Genting Malaysia also owns and operates Resorts World Kijal in Terengganu and Resorts World Langkawi on Langkawi Island.
Resorts World Sdn Bhd, a private limited company, was established on May 7, 1980. It later became a public company in 1989, changing its name to Resorts World Bhd (1989–2009) and subsequently to Genting Malaysia Berhad.
According to the company’s website, Resorts World Sdn Bhd, a private limited company, was established on May 7, 1980. After going public in 1989, the company changed its name to Resorts World Bhd (1989–2009) and later to Genting Malaysia Berhad (“Genting Malaysia”). In 1989, Genting Berhad and Genting Malaysia underwent a restructuring, resulting in Genting Malaysia acquiring all casino, hotel, and resort-related operations, including associated properties, from Genting Berhad.
Genting Malaysia’s shares have been traded on the Main Market of Bursa Malaysia since their listing on December 22, 1989. The company has been in the entertainment and hospitality business for over 50 years, including amusement parks, gaming, hotels, seaside resorts, and more.
The resort also offers a variety of dining and retail options, as well as international shows and business conference facilities. To visit, one can take a bus from KL Sentral, Kuala Lumpur’s main transport hub, and then board the Genting Express bus or the Skyway cable car to Genting Highlands.
Unlock a Superior Experience with the All-New “Privilege Unlocked 4.0”
The Privilege Unlocked 4.0 program has been enhanced with even more exclusive benefits and now offers the widest range of perks for VIB credit cardholders to date.
‘Cornering’ 2/3 of the 700,000 Gas-Powered Vehicle Market, Two Southeast Asian Brands Go All Out to Rival BYD and Tesla – Betting on Affordable Electric Cars
These two brands are believed to have a competitive edge over BYD and Tesla.
Unveiling the Deceit: Capturing Two Foreigners Impersonating Bank Officials to Defraud Victims of their Assets
Two foreign nationals posed as bank employees, phoning and requesting confidential information. They then fraudulently obtained and used Mr. T.’s credit card details.
