By Wilfred Pilo, Nur Ashikin Louis and Karen Bong
KUCHING, May 5: Public opinion on the setting up of a casino in Borneo Highlands Resort here in Sarawak is split, with some supporting the potential economic benefits and tourism opportunities that such a development could bring to the region, while others opposing such a move, mainly due to the negative social impact it could have and religious concerns.
As with many controversial issues, there are valid arguments on both sides. The recent attention the issue has received has prompted DayakDaily to interview nine people to gather their opinions and viewpoints on the matter.
Out of the nine, five were in favour of the idea of a casino, pointing to the economic benefits and tourism opportunities seen in places like Genting Highlands in Pahang as well as Singapore and Macau.
On the other hand, two of those interviewed were against the idea due to religious and social concerns related to gambling, which is forbidden in Islam and can lead to the rise of social problems. One respondent however remained neutral, while another expressed skepticism of the idea.
Aye to casino, theme park and other attractions
Physiotherapist Angelina Jong applauded the proposal for a casino and theme park to be built, which she emphasised should not be viewed negatively given the development and socioeconomic benefits it will bring to Padawan, including better infrastructure, work opportunities, tourism and the spillover effect on other sectors like food and beverage industry, hotels, lodgings, retailers and more.
Referring to Genting and Macau, Jong argues that these facilities are not synonymous with social ills and vices, but are resorts of international standard with protocols and codes in place.
She added that it is not a place for drunkards, street gamblers, and prostitution as lamented by many and those who feel it is morally wrong to be there can stay away and not visit.
With children who are crazy about theme parks, she also sees it as an opportunity for families to bond and have fun locally, rather than spending money on expensive overseas theme park holidays.
“I think a place as beautiful as Borneo Highlands Resort should not go to waste. Yes, a casino and theme park will get an aye from me. If Malaya can, why can’t we? If Arabs can, why can’t we?
“This is not about race or religion, it is about allowing Sarawak to develop and flourish and be on par with other developed countries. This is about giving Sarawak a much-needed facelift to build ourselves and our people.
“If we can afford it, why not. If we think negatively before we start, we are doomed. We will never be ready this way. Just go for it. I believe Sarawak can do well (in this).”
Private sector worker Akmal Yusup, 30, said the proposed casino could become a stepping stone in improving Sarawak’s economy in general and in Puncak Borneo in particular.
“If casinos are an illegal activity and cannot be built in Sarawak, what about the casino located in Genting, Pahang where we know the majority of the population in that state is Muslims?
“We should look at and evaluate this from the point of view of attracting foreign tourists especially non-Muslims to come here, not to cater to the local population alone. If Muslim individuals are afraid to enter the casino, the casino management can tighten restrictions and prevent any Muslim individuals from entering the premises,” he said.
Retiree Susan Angking believes that a casino would not only be a tourist attraction but could generate revenue and create more employment for the region.
“Personally, I feel that having a casino doesn’t mean that we encourage gambling. If Genting Highland which has operated for over 40 years and Singapore’s tourism can get a boost with a casino, I don’t see why we should be against this,” the 60-year-old former banker said.
Lascelles Manjah, a businessman hailing from Kapit but living in Kuching, said the casino would enhance socio economic development in the area, where the local community could participate in various economic sectors that would allow them generate more income.
“For me, I also see it as a tourist attraction and visitors can come to the area. There would be definite business opportunities and I support it,” he shared.
Serian Chinese Chamber of Commerce (SCCC) president Cr Lai Chau Ling emphasised that such a facility must be added with other tourist attractions such as a theme park, sport facility, hotels, resorts, and other eco-tourism products by leveraging on the natural surroundings.
“Then it would be like Genting and Singapore that could offer more than just gambling but also cater to a broader range of visitors and provide a more complete tourism experience for others.
“Hopefully, the government is serious about it as such development brings revenue to the region considering that Indonesia’s capital is moving to East Kalimantan which could further trigger economic impetus for the region,” he said but also reminding of the need for strict control to ensure no social issues arise.
Concerns on negative social impacts
Despite these potential benefits, some are still opposed to the idea as they argued that gambling can be addictive and destructive, leading to social problems such as an increased crime rates and even have the potential to ruin families.
Retired police officer Albert Lunju Amin is of the view that setting up a casino could cause more people to easily give in to their gambling behaviour, which could lead to them being unproductive and in a way enable thugs, loan sharks and other bad elements to thrive, apart from giving rise to family problems and criminal activities.
“I don’t think that foreigners would come over just for the casino without other attractions. They will prefer going to Genting Highland or Singapore. I have been there (Borneo Highlands Resort) once, years ago. The road is a risky one. The current infrastructure, especially roads, is not conducive for safe driving. The government needs to spend lots of money on other relevant infrastructure, logistics,” he said.
On the other hand, housewife Siti Natrah Abas, 29, stood her ground, saying that casinos were synonymous with gambling and considered ‘haram’ (forbidden) in Islam and thus, in no way should Muslims compromise and endorse the setting up of a gaming centre.
“Why should we develop our economy with gambling profits? Economy can be increased in other ways that are permissible in Islam. Instead of a casino, Borneo Highlands can be beautified and upgraded as a high-end resort,” she stressed.
Taking a neutral stand
Entrepreneur Michael Liong, 49, while deeply sceptical about the idea, emphasised that there must be proper, well-rounded planning in order to achieve socio-economic benefits for Sarawak and its people in particular.
Liong argues that simply building a casino would only attract a particular segment of visitors who are interested in gambling, but could already easily access in Genting and Singapore.
“Not everyone is a gambler. To truly make the development worthwhile, there must be a comprehensive range of tourism offerings such as hotels, retail outlets, resorts, and other attractions in the surroundings that can lure and capture a diverse range of visitors. There must be a far-reaching effect that could create a ripple effect of economic growth.
“By providing a wider range of entertainment and leisure options, the development could attract not only gamblers but also families, couples, and individuals who are interested in other activities. This, in turn, would lead to a more well-rounded tourism industry that benefits the local economy and communities,” he added.
Film producer Syahrizan Ramlee, 29, agreed that a casino could become a game changer to put Sarawak on the world map, but warned that social problems may follow suit.
“Some locals may experience ‘culture shock’ upon the setting up of the casino with many becoming addicted to gambling and end up spending their monies and becoming overwhelmed with debt. Such a situation may even escalate to increasing number of suicide cases,” he explained.
However, he also did not deny that a casino can still be properly regulated to prevent social problems and at the same time, reap a significant profit for Sarawak’s revenue.
Sarawak needs to approach the development with great care and caution
Overall, the issue of setting up a casino in the Borneo Highland is a complex and contentious one. The mixed opinions surrounding the idea of a casino highlight the need for careful consideration and consultation with all stakeholders to ensure that any decision made is sustainable and beneficial for the community and the environment.
It is not only important to assess the potential economic benefits and social and environmental impacts, but also potential risks and challenges that may arise. If the decision is made to proceed with the establishment of a casino, it will be important to implement measures to mitigate any negative impacts on the local community and environment. — DayakDaily
