Malaysian PM rejects new casino claims

Malaysian prime minister Anwar Ibrahim has refuted claims suggesting plans for a casino to be established in Forest City, Johor.

According to Bloomberg, Ibrahim vehemently dismissed the notion, asserting: “Not true, not true. Casino license… That’s a lie,” while gesturing with an X sign to emphasise his denial.

Responding to inquiries about Malaysia’s purported contemplation of a second casino licence for the Forest City development in Johor, Anwar addressed Bloomberg’s earlier report. The article had stated that Anwar held discussions last week with Berjaya founder Vincent Tan and Lim Kok Thay from the Genting Group regarding the matter.

According to sources cited by Bloomberg, the introduction of a casino could potentially reinvigorate the US$100bn property project. However, it emphasised the stringent regulatory framework surrounding gambling in Malaysia.

It is uncertain whether any concrete agreements will be reached, given Malaysia’s Muslim majority and aversity to gambling.

Source: Asia Gaming Brief