PRIME Minister Anwar Ibrahim has firmly stated there will not be a second casino in the country.

The prime minister said Malaysia was currently focusing on digital transformation, energy transition as well as AI sectors.

Anwar said these are the sectors, among others, that are adequate to push future growth.

This being the case, Anwar said there was “no need for a second casino (licence) in the country”.

“Affirmative no! Malaysia does not have to venture into the (second) casino business. We are focusing on digital transformation, energy transition (and) AI, and we believe these are (among the industries that) adequate to push the country forward,” he was quoted as saying by Bernama at Qatar Economic Forum (QEF) 2024.

Anwar was asked whether Malaysia is considering allowing a second casino (licence) under the Madani government.

Previously, the prime minister had repeatedly denied a foreign news report about the possibility of issuing a second casino licence in Forest City, Iskandar Puteri, Johor.

Malaysia has granted only one casino licence, which was issued to Genting in 1969.

The group also has casino operations in the United Kingdom, the United States, and Singapore. – The Malaysian Insight, May 14, 2024.