Summary
- The Finance Ministry says the Madani government has not issued new gambling licences or permits.
- Existing licences remain based on approvals dating from the 1990s.
- The government reduced special lottery draws from 22 to eight annually from January 2023.
- Enforcement against illegal and online gambling has also been strengthened.
KUALA LUMPUR, August 28 — Malaysia’s Finance Ministry said the Madani government has not issued new gambling licences or permits or increased the number of gambling premises.
The ministry was responding to recent remarks by Kedah Menteri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor, which it described as misleading. It said existing licences remain based on approvals.
Dating from the 1990s and are subject to strict conditions. The government also reduced the number of special lottery draws from 22 to eight annually from January 2023.
The ministry said authorities would continue limiting and regulating licensed gambling while strengthening enforcement against illegal and online gambling activities.
