Is a casino in Sarawak a good bet?
If it comes about, the casino would be the second in Malaysia after Genting Highlands and the first in Borneo.
PETALING JAYA: A Sarawak minister’s openness to the idea of establishing a casino in the state has sparked a debate between members of the ruling Gabungan Parti Sarawak and PAS.
The remark by Abdul Karim Hamzah, state tourism, creative industry and performing arts minister, that the establishment of a casino was a “good idea” has also not gone down well with some Muslim groups. However, businesses, including hoteliers have backed the idea.
FMT takes a closer look at the controversy surrounding the proposed casino.
The casino proposal
The proposed casino would be part of the redevelopment of the Borneo Highlands Resort in Siburan, for which the establishment of a theme park and golf course at the resort has also been mooted.
If built, the casino would be the second in Malaysia after Genting Highlands in Pahang and the first on the island of Borneo. There are no casinos in Kalimantan, the Indonesian half of the island, or in Brunei.
Why are some against it?
Sarawak PAS chief Jofri Jaraiee said a casino would bring more harm than good as it would lead to gambling addiction, while the Miri Malay Association said a casino would create uneasiness among Muslims in the state.
Why are some for it?
Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents president Tan Kok Liang said a casino in Sarawak will boost tourism and create many jobs if it follows the “Genting Highlands formula”.
He said Genting Highlands was developed as a casino and resort in 1965 but has since evolved into a tourism attraction with malls, theme parks, cable cars, restaurants and even an 81-hectare township, Gohtong Jaya.
“Tourism destinations globally have used casinos as a marketing tool to boost tourism activities. Good examples are the Philippines, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam and Singapore,” Tan told FMT.
“The multiplier effects are immense for hotels, food and beverage, transportation, aviation and tour excursions. Just look at Genting. A good example of success and employing local staff for many of its ancillary services and tourism attractions,” he said.
Meanwhile, a Borneo Post report quoted Malaysia Association of Hotels Sarawak chapter chairman John Teo as saying a casino could create at least 10,000 jobs and draw in high-end tourists.
Karim stands firm
Karim, a Muslim himself, has defended the idea, saying there was nothing wrong with setting up a casino in the state as Sarawak belonged to all the people, who professed different religious beliefs.
He also questioned why those opposed to the casino on religious grounds said nothing about the presence of 4D outlets in the state.
Other forms of revenue
Economist Madeline Berma of Universiti Malaysia Sarawak said she believed there were better ways for the state to increase tourism revenue.
“Sarawak is so big, we have so much land. A casino would make sense for Singapore, Macau and Hong Kong because they lack land to develop. With our land, I would prefer other economic activities,” she said, adding this included property development and manufacturing.
“Well, there’s nothing wrong with pursuing it but (a single casino) cannot create many jobs. The Muslims can’t work there. It’s different if we open up factories or something else that’s tourism-related (that more people can be involved in),” said Madeline.
However, she acknowledged that a resort like Genting Highlands could bring some economic benefits.
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