JOHOR BARU: The Johor state government has affirmed that no casinos will be opened or operated in the state.
Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said that with the affirmation, the Johor government hopes that this issue will no longer be sensationalised.
Onn Hafiz said that rumours on the matter could affect harmony, the reputation of the state and country, as well as the unity among various ethnic groups.
Furthermore, he added that the Johor government has never received any invitations for discussions on the matter, let alone being involved in it.
The state government has also never received any proposals or attended any meetings discussing this matter, he added.
"Following the spread of news about the purported opening of a casino in Forest City, the Johor government wishes to emphasise that no casinos will be opened or operated in this state."
"As previously stated, the Johor government believes that Forest City will be revitalised with increased economic activities through the development of the Special Financial Zone (SFZ) and the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ)."
"Everyone is aware that the state government, with the support of the Federal Government, is diligently working to accelerate and enhance the Johor economy to provide positive impacts such as quality and highly skilled job opportunities for the people of Johor."
"Therefore, this spreading rumour is seen as having an element of sabotage and malicious intent to tarnish the image of Forest City and Johor as a whole," he said in a statement today (April 26).
Yesterday, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim reportedly denied that the government would approve another licensed casino in Forest City, Johor.
The Prime Minister also reportedly said that media reports quoting sources suggesting plans to open a second licensed casino were incorrect.
Previously, Bloomberg reported, citing sources, that the Prime Minister met with two prominent businessmen last week to discuss plans for opening casinos in Forest City.
The report claimed that Anwar, government officials, and business figures held lunch and meetings regarding the possibility of granting a second casino license in Malaysia.
According to the report, also present at the meeting were the Founder and Advisor of Berjaya Corporation Berhad, Tan Sri Vincent Tan, and the former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Genting Hong Kong Ltd, Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay.
In addition, Onn Hafiz said that Johor's history clearly shows that since the reign of the late Sultan Sir Ibrahim, three casinos in Johor have been closed.
"Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, also previously decreed that he would not allow any casinos to be opened in Johor."
This clearly demonstrates Johor's stance on this matter," added Onn Hafiz.