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[POLITICS] · Malaysia · 5 sources

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PAS urges Malaysian federal government to review gambling licence policy

gambling licence policy PAS Muktamar Kedah state government federal law reform social welfare

During the 72nd PAS Annual Muktamar, the political party passed a motion urging the Malaysian federal government to review its gambling licence policy. The motion, tabled by PAS Baling, calls on the Ministry of Finance to consider halting the issuance of new gambling licences to mitigate social and moral harms.

The push follows a series of legal setbacks for the Kedah state government. Kedah had previously attempted to stop the renewal of gambling premises licences as part of its Islamic governance efforts. However, the Court of Appeal ruled that state and local authorities can only regulate such licences based on premises-related factors, such as safety, sanitation, and location suitability, rather than moral grounds.

On August 12, 2026, the Federal Court rejected Kedah’s application to appeal the decision, leaving the ruling in place. PAS leaders noted that these legal outcomes highlight the limitations state governments face due to the division of powers under the Federal Constitution.

Additionally, the Dewan Himpunan Pendukung Pas (DHPP) called for stricter government control over gambling, noting that the rise of online and mobile gambling poses a threat to family stability and social welfare.

Entities

Ahmad Fadhli Shaari · B. Kumaresan · Federal Court of Malaysia · Kedah Government · PAS

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

  • [○ 1 SOURCE] DHPP leader B. Kumaresan described gambling as a 'virus' to society that affects family institutions and social welfare. www.utusan.com.my
  • [○ 1 SOURCE] The Court of Appeal ruled that state governments can only regulate business licences based on premises-related factors such as safety, sanitation, and location suitability. www.freemalaysiatoday.com
  • [● 2 SOURCES] The Federal Court rejected the Kedah government’s application to appeal a previous ruling regarding gambling licence renewals on August 12, 2026. mediapoint.kelantan.co · www.freemalaysiatoday.com
  • [● 2 SOURCES] PAS urged the federal government to review its policy on the issuance and renewal of gambling licences, including potentially halting new licences. mediapoint.kelantan.co · www.freemalaysiatoday.com

Sources

'Judi bukan hak, tetapi virus kepada masyarakat' - DHPP [www.malay.news]
PAS gesa Kerajaan Persekutuan henti pemberian lesen judi [malaysiatribune.news]
Kementerian perlu nilai dasar lesen perjudian [mediapoint.kelantan.co]
Muktamar: Judi ‘virus masyarakat’, DHPP mahu kerajaan bertegas [www.utusan.com.my]
PAS wants Putrajaya to review gambling licence policy [www.freemalaysiatoday.com]