In the Malaysian state of Kedah, a number of gambling establishments have succeeded in overturning the local government’s prohibition on their activities.
On June 20, the operators’ requests for judicial review of the state’s decision were approved by the High Court located in the state capital, Alor Setar. The state administration of Kedah has already filed an appeal to halt this ruling in retaliation.
Menteri Besar (Chief Minister) Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor said on November 14, 2021, that Kedah will no longer issue or renew gaming licenses in order to establish a state free from gambling. Additionally, he wanted to limit the sale of alcohol, particularly in rural regions.
STM Lottery SDN BHD argued in a court review that the state’s decision was unlawful, illogical, and unconstitutional, ignoring the multiethnic population of Kedah. They contended that under Articles 74 and 75 of the Federal Constitution, only the federal government is able to regulate gaming.
Respondents in the lawsuit included Sanusi, the Kedah government, and many district councils. Kedah shuttered all 45 of its gambling establishments in January 2023, after similar prohibitions in Terengganu and Kelantan, which had been in place since 2020 and 1990, respectively.
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