KUCHING: If 4D lottery operators are allowed to operate in Sarawak, then why can’t a properly regulated casino?
The poser comes from Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah who is open to the idea.
But, he said, ultimately the decision lies with the state government.
Abdul Karim said should a casino be set up as part of the 5,000-acre Borneo Highlands Resort redevelopment it could be a catalyst for others, like what was happening at the Genting Highlands Resort in the peninsula.
“When you construct a highland resort, the casino might be a spark for many others,” he said, referring to the Genting Highlands Resort’s theme park.
“In the event the Sarawak government chooses to have a casino, I will not advocate for it, but we will leave it to the Sarawak government,” he said during the D’Drift press conference held at Dayak Daily’s office on Wednesday (March 22).
Earlier, a reporter had suggested the idea of establishing a casino at Borneo Highlands Resort.
When asked if the casino would be tax-free if it were built, he didn’t rule it out because Langkawi and Labuan already have tax-free casinos and explained that locals will gain from the tourism products that will come with the casino.
Yet he emphasised that suitable regulations must be in place before a casino could be built, so that it wouldn’t cause any societal issues.
“Foreigners can enter anytime. Nevertheless, for the locals, there must be stringent restrictions because if you let any Tom, Dick and Harry go in, then you will see a lot of those who are working might not want to work and would only be there gambling day and night,” he added.
While no formal talks on a new proposal to redevelop Borneo Highlands Resort have taken place as yet, he said that he had brought up the subject in passing with Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
“I believe he’ll zone the resort up into areas and let the private sector invest in them, with the golf course development being one of the primary initiatives.
“Personally I believe a very big strong firm needs to be the one handling it,” he added.
He said that the Ministry of Finance and New Economy, as well as the Ministry of International Trade, Industry, and Investment, might be responsible for overseeing the resort’s construction.
Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) has been given temporary responsibility for the resort’s maintenance.
