By Nur Ashikin Louis
KUCHING, March 21: If 4D number forecast operators are allowed to operate in Sarawak, why can’t casinos, especially when they are regulated properly?
Sarawak Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said he is open to the idea but ultimately, the decision would lie with the Sarawak government on whether or not such a casino would actually be set up as part of the development of the 5,000-acre Borneo Highlands Resort.
“When you want to develop a highland resort, we are not looking at the casino alone, but that can be a catalyst for many others to come. If you see what is happening in Genting Highlands Resort, they have a theme park and all that.
“So that place (Genting Highlands Resort) will be for those who want to wager or gamble and it can also be for families to be entertained (at the theme park). That is just one component but it must be properly regulated.
“In the event that the Sarawak government agrees to have a casino, I will not advocate for that, but we will leave it to Sarawak government to decide,” he said during the D-Drift 2023 Launch ceremony at DayakDaily’s office here today.
The idea of setting up a casino at Borneo Highlands Resort was first brought up to Abdul Karim by a reporter during a press conference in another function in Kuching yesterday.
He emphasised that the idea has never been discussed by the Sarawak government so far.
Asked whether the casino would be made tax-free, if established, he did not rule out such a possibility considering that Langkawi and Labuan have already implemented such a policy.
Even though the taxes from the purported casino would go to the national coffers, he said the economic spin-off that comes along with the tourism product would benefit the local communities, including hoteliers, food operators and transportation companies.
However, he stressed that the setting up of a casino must be properly regulated to prevent social problems.
“Take for an example, if they are foreigners, they can go in anytime. However, for the locals, there must be strict 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 will only be there gambling day and night,” he added.
Abdul Karim also informed that while there have not been any in-depth discussions on a masterplan to redevelop Borneo Highlands Resort so far, he had discussed the matter casually with Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
“I believe he will zone it (resort) into certain acreages and then invite the private sector to come in, adding that the main projects include a development of a golf course.
“Personally, I believe a very big strong company needs to be the one handling it,” he emphasised.
He went on to say that the development of the resort may be put under the Ministry of International Trade, Industry and Investment (Mintred) and Ministry of Finance and New Economy.
Presently, Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) has been tasked to carry out maintenance works at the resort temporarily.
Also present were Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) chairman Dennis Ngau, STB chief executive officer Sharzede Datu Salleh Askor and Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) Head of Enforcement and Protection Madhan Kifli. — DayakDaily
