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‘Gambling is harmful’: Malaysia’s PAS vows to shut casino if it controls Pahang

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‘Gambling is harmful’: Malaysia’s PAS vows to shut casino if it controls Pahang

An Islamic party said it was prepared to shut down Malaysia’s only casino if it wins control of the state where it is located, as the group looks to build its influence in the Southeast Asian nation.

A senior official from Parti Islam Se-Malaysia said if voters in central Pahang state – home to Genting Bhd.’s casino – wanted gambling to end, they should choose the Islamic party. The party is tapping into concerns by the country’s Muslim majority over gambling, which is forbidden in the Koran.

PAS has been growing its influence since the 2022 elections made it the biggest party in federal parliament. It already controls four of Malaysia’s 13 states and is looking to capture Pahang in the next national election that must be held by early 2028.

“Gambling is harmful, so we have to close it,” Andansura Rabu, PAS’ deputy commissioner for Pahang, said at the party’s annual gathering. “But it must be in accordance with the laws and constitution.”

The federal government decides on casino and gaming permits in Malaysia and gaming is one of the most regulated sectors in the country. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim earlier this year ruled out the possibility of opening a second casino resort after a Bloomberg News report.

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