The Malaysian Islamic Party (Malay: Parti Islam Se-Malaysia, abbreviated as PAS) vows that if it wins the Pahang state in the upcoming 16th Malaysian general election, it will shut down all forms of gambling, including the casino resorts in Genting Malaysia.
The resorts and casinos of Genting Malaysia are located in Pahang state, which is currently led by a coalition government of the National Front and the Alliance of Hope.
According to Bernama, this statement was made during a press conference at the 70th General Assembly of the Islamic Party. However, the Deputy Chairman of the Pahang Islamic Party, Andan Sulaiman, also stated that closing Genting Highlands would involve federal legislation and relevant legal frameworks, which are beyond the state government's authority.
"In this regard, we need to study the laws. If we have the power at the state level, and if we can do it, we will," he said.
The chairman of the Democratic Action Party in Pahang, Lee Zhen Cheng, opposed this decision, stating that closing the Genting Resort would not only affect Malaysia's national revenue but also impact the livelihood of all employees at the resort, including local Muslim staff working in hotels and amusement parks.
Genting Malaysia's revenue increased by 8% in the second quarter of 2024, reaching MYR 2.67 billion (USD 620 million), while its revenue for the first half of the year was MYR 5.43 billion. Genting Singapore also saw a revenue increase of 29%.
