Malaysia Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, has denied reports suggesting that a second casino will be established in the controversial Forest City development project in Johor.
Rumors had been swirling that a new casino was in the works for the massive mixed-use development, which has been highly contentious since its inception. The Forest City project, a joint venture between Chinese developer Country Garden Holdings and a local partner, has faced criticism for its ecological impact on the surrounding area and concerns over its perceived role in attracting foreign investment.
In a press conference held at the Prime Minister’s Office, Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob firmly refuted the reports, stating that “there is no truth to the speculation that a second casino will be built in Forest City. The government is committed to upholding the country’s laws and regulations, and we will not allow any additional gambling facilities to be established in the area.”
The Prime Minister emphasized that the Forest City project must comply with all relevant guidelines and approvals, and any development plans must be in line with the country’s overall economic and social objectives.
Forest City, located in the southern state of Johor, has been a focal point of controversy since its inception in 2014. Initially marketed as a futuristic smart city with high-tech amenities and sustainable design, the project has faced mounting criticism over its impact on the local environment and concerns over its potential to attract wealthy Chinese investors seeking to circumvent capital controls in their home country.
Opponents of the project argue that the development is contributing to land reclamation and habitat destruction in the sensitive ecosystems of the surrounding area, and that it poses a threat to the livelihoods of local fishermen and communities. The project has also been accused of exacerbating issues of housing affordability and creating a real estate bubble in the region.
The Prime Minister’s denial of the reports of a second casino in Forest City comes amid growing scrutiny of the country’s gambling industry and concerns over the proliferation of casinos in Malaysia. In recent years, there have been calls for tighter regulation of the industry and efforts to curb illegal gambling activities.
As the controversy surrounding Forest City continues to simmer, it remains to be seen how the government will navigate the complex challenges posed by the development project. With the Prime Minister’s assurance that no additional gambling facilities will be permitted in the area, the focus now shifts to ensuring that Forest City complies with all relevant regulations and safeguards the interests of both the local community and the environment.