The Malaysian Islamic Party, known as Parti Islam Se-Malaysia (PAS) in Bahasa Malaysia, has vowed to shut down all forms of gambling, including Genting Malaysia’s casino resort, if it successfully captures the Pahang state in the upcoming 16th General Election in Malaysia.
Genting Malaysia’s resort and casino are located in the state of Pahang, Malaysia. Pahang is currently led by a Barisan Nasional-Pakatan Harapan Unity Government.
According to Malaysia news reports, the statement was made during a press conference of PAS’s 70th Muktamar. However, Pahang PAS Deputy Commissioner Andansura Rabu also said shutting down Genting would involve Federal Legislation and relevant legal framework outside of a state government’s authorities.
“In that regard, we need to look at the law. If we have the power at the state level, if we can do it, we will do it,” he said.
Pahang’s Democratic Action Party (DAP) Chairman, Lee Chin Chen, voiced his opposition against the decision, stating that the shutting down of Genting resorts would not only affect Malaysia’s national revenue but also the livelihood of all the people working in said resort, including local Muslim staff working at the hotels and the amusement parks.
Genting Malaysia saw an 8% revenue rise for Q2 2024 amounting up to RM2.67bn ($0.62bn), while its H1 revenue showed RM5.43bn. Genting Singapore also reported a revenue increase of 29%.
