Malaysia’s only casino, the infamous Resort World Genting, is facing political turmoil as the country’s largest Islamic party, the Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS), has called for its closure.
The casino, situated in the lush mountains of Genting Highlands, has long been a controversial establishment in Malaysia. While it is a major tourist attraction and revenue generator for the country, drawing in millions of visitors each year, it has also been a source of contention among conservative Islamic groups who view gambling as a sin.
PAS, which holds a significant number of seats in Malaysia’s parliament, has long been vocal in its opposition to gambling, calling it a social evil that leads to addiction, crime, and family breakdowns. The party’s leaders have now taken their stance a step further by demanding the immediate closure of Resort World Genting.
In a statement released by PAS, the party condemned the casino as a “moral cancer” that is destroying the fabric of Malaysian society. “We cannot continue to allow this den of vice and corruption to operate in our country,” said PAS spokesperson, Ahmad Acap. “It is time for the government to take concrete action and shut down this harmful establishment once and for all.”
The call for the closure of Resort World Genting has sparked a heated debate in Malaysia, with supporters of the casino arguing that it is a major economic contributor to the country, providing thousands of jobs and attracting millions of tourists each year. Many fear that its closure would lead to a significant loss of revenue and impact the local economy.
The Malaysian government, led by Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob, has yet to publicly address PAS’s demands. However, government officials have previously stated their support for the casino industry and its role in driving tourism and economic growth in the country.
In response to PAS’s call for closure, Resort World Genting has issued a statement defending its operations and emphasizing its commitment to responsible gambling practices. “We take our social responsibilities seriously and have implemented strict measures to prevent problem gambling and promote responsible gaming,” said a spokesperson for the casino.
As the debate over the future of Malaysia’s only casino continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the government will navigate the delicate balance between economic interests and religious concerns. One thing is for certain – Resort World Genting’s fate hangs in the balance as political pressure mounts for its closure.