Kedah MB: 4D ban not racism, even China banned gambling

Kedah Menteri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor told the state legislative assembly that his decision to ban number-betting operators in the state was not a form of racism or human rights abuse.

In his winding-up speech for the debate on the state's budget for 2022, Sanusi said there are no studies that showed that gambling was beneficial.

He added that even China has banned gambling since 1949, while ignoring the fact that China has two state-run lotteries.

Sanusi explained that his policy to ban number betting outlets was his way of obeying God's command and to give thanks for the state's many blessings.

"We see many blessings. High-value investments are entering the state and every household has food baskets. Therefore, I made a decision to not continue with business licences for number betting premises.

"There are people protesting on grounds of human rights and accusing me of racism in trying to stop non-Muslims (from gambling). This is not right," he said.

He added that his policy was in recognition that most Malaysians were Muslims and there was a need to maintain harmony in society, as well as to give thanks to God.

Previously, Sanusi told the Kedah legislative assembly that his administration will no longer renew business licences for number-betting outlets in his Budget 2022 speech.

Similar policies were enacted by PAS governments in Kelantan and Terengganu in the 1990s.