Cover image via
Mukhriz Hazim/Malaysiakini
& Berita Harian
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Free Malaysia Today reported that the PAS leader said the move to neither issue new licences nor renew existing licences for gambling businesses was intended to tackle social ills caused by gambling.
“This is to ensure a Kedah free of gambling, as we all know it has caused the collapse of family institutions and even civilisations, besides resulting in debt problems,” he was quoted as saying by the portal.
“Those who want to buy (4-D lottery numbers) can go to Penang,” he reportedly said.
According to the controversial politician, he does not want to be questioned in the afterlife.
“I do not want to be questioned in the afterlife on what I had done to curb gambling when I led the state government. Besides, if I do not act on this (gambling) matter, I will get ‘whacked’ by others,” he stated.
“The gambling shop owners reap profits, but the consequences of gambling are felt by the people, especially the non-Muslims,” Sanusi said, adding that he hoped the people of Kedah will understand the actions taken by the state government to ensure the state is gambling-free.
Sanusi reportedly said that the curbs on the sale of alcohol will be introduced on the duty-free island of Langkawi, as well as in rural areas on Kedah “where the demand for such drinks is low”.
He, however, said that this restriction “would not affect non-Muslim consumers”.
The state executive meeting last week, Sanusi said, discussed limiting the sale of alcohol in Langkawi, where sales of alcoholic beverages are allowed, and at unlicensed stores in the state.
“We hope they will no longer sell them openly anymore (in Kedah). These actions are being taken to ensure Kedahans are always in a sober state of mind,” he was quoted as saying.