By Ashley Sim & Wilfred Pilo
KUCHING, April 23: Sarawak Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts (MTCP) Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah emphasises that if the proposed casino in Sarawak is to open at Borneo Highlands Resort, it would be surrounded by attractions such as an amusement park and a golf course.
Abdul Karim told reporters this at his Hari Raya Aidilfitri open house today at Jalan Astana in Petra Jaya here.
“People don’t realise that the casino will not be the only attraction if it is opened. There will be a golf course as well as an amusement park,” he said.
He also revealed the Borneo Highlands development will be an integrated resort, with a casino possibly included, and that the decision to build a casino in Borneo Highlands will be made by Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Abdul Karim also reiterated that there is nothing wrong with building a casino because Sarawak is not only for Muslims.
“I do hear some dissenters from Miri not agreeing with the proposed casino in Sarawak because gambling is ‘haram’. But they must remember that Sarawak is not only for Muslims.
“Why don’t they make a sound when Magnum 4D or Sports Toto stores open? That is also a prohibited location for Muslims.
“But when the casino is mentioned, everyone gets excited, not realising that it is not the only thing that will be built at the Borneo Highlands Resort,” he pointed out.
Abdul Karim was referring to a statement by Sarawak Parti Islam Se-Malaysia (PAS) commissioner Jofri Jaraiee that the opening of the proposed casino would do more harm than good for the people, highlighting that such a move could lead to gambling addiction and the eventual collapse of the family institution as well as society.
Jofri made the statement in support of Miri Malay Association (PMM), several Islamic-based organisations, and Muslim individuals in Miri who have publicly expressed their opposition to the proposal to build a casino in Sarawak. — DayakDaily
