Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has refuted claims suggesting plans for a casino to be established in Forest City, Johor.
According to Bloomberg, Ibrahim vehemently dismissed the notion, asserting, “Not true, not true. Casino license… That’s a lie,” while gesturing with an X sign to emphasize his denial.
Responding to inquiries about Malaysia’s purported contemplation of a second casino licence for the Forest City development in Johor, Anwar addressed Bloomberg’s earlier report. The article had stated that Anwar held discussions last week with Berjaya founder Vincent Tan and Lim Kok Thay from the Genting Group regarding the matter.
According to sources cited by Bloomberg, the introduction of a casino could potentially reinvigorate the $100 billion property project. However, it emphasized the stringent regulatory framework surrounding gambling in Malaysia.
It is uncertain whether any concrete agreements will be reached, given Malaysia’s Muslim majority and aversity to gambling.
Casino licences require renewal every three months, subject to the discretion of the finance minister—an office currently held by Anwar himself.
Genting has monopolized Malaysia’s casino industry since 1969, operating the only casino located in Genting Highlands. Additionally, the company manages casinos in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Singapore.
According to the publication, the country’s King controls over 20 percent of the joint venture in Forest City, overseen by developer Country Garden.
