KUCHING: Should the establishment of a casino in the Borneo Highlands become a reality, it could be one of the areas that help spur the state’s economic growth.
In stating this, Tarat assemblyman Datuk Roland Sagah Wee Inn said he, therefore, agreed with the idea of a casino being opened in Sarawak.
“This (having the casino) is a way for us to attract private investors in this field, and subsequently, it will help to spur our economy.
“So, I support the idea, and from what I heard from our colleagues in the Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA) and the Bidayuh Graduates Association (BGA), they are very receptive to this idea,” he said.
He said in a press conference after officiating at the DBNA-BGA Graduates Symposium, themed “Developing a Competitive Mindset in the Ever-Evolving and Vibrant Global Landscape,” at the DBNA multi-purpose hall here today (March 25).
Roland was prompted for comments on his views on the possibility of opening a casino in the Borneo Highlands.
While welcoming the idea, he stressed that there should also be a certain guidelines in relation to the operation of the casino.
“I still remember many years ago when Singapore also oppose the idea of having casinos, but eventually they allow it, and we see how it develop.
“But, having said that, with all this, we must have certain regulations to control gambling in the state,” he pointed out.
He also said it was no harm to have such entertainment established in the state.
“Those who do not know how to gamble or are not allowed to gamble, don’t gamble, lah.
“We are in a free world… Those who have lots of money to gamble can go ahead,” said Roland.
Recently, it was reported that Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah did not rule out the possibility of developing the area in Padawan into the country’s second Genting Highlands.
“I cannot say yes or no (to having casinos in the Borneo Highlands) at the moment. I guess we will leave it to the Sarawak government to decide whether to allow casinos to be built there.
“It can be a good idea if regulated properly because Singapore can do it. I don’t see why not, as long as it does not lead to big social problems,” he said.
