An Islamic political party has promised to shut down Resorts World Genting if it wins the next general election in Malaysia, Fortune Asia reported on Monday (September 16). Parti Islam SeMalaysia (PAS) currently controls four of Malaysia’s 13 states. It aims to add Pahang, the third-largest state, in the next election, which is expected to be held by early 2028. Therefore, conservative power is on the rise.
Ageold Casino Faces Risk
The large casino resort on a mountaintop in Genting Highlands opened in 1971. Resorts World Genting is the main property of the Genting Group, which is worth billions. The group also has casinos in the US, the UK, and Singapore. The resort features five hotels, including the world’s largest with 7,500 rooms. It also has an amusement park, a golf course, and other attractions. The gaming floor has over 3,000 slot machines and more than 400 game tables.
In the 2023 fiscal year, the resort earned RM6.4 billion (£1.044 billion/€1.3 billion/$1.16 billion), a 23% increase. EBITDA rose by 26% to RM2.1 billion. Maybank predicted that the resort would attract 24 million visitors this year and boost earnings by 60%. Despite these contributions to taxes and tourism, PAS leaders are focused on shutting down the casino. However, Andansura Rabu, the deputy commissioner, noted that any closure would need to follow the laws and constitution.
Reactions
According to Malaysian news reports, the statement was made at PAS’s 70th Muktamar press conference. Pahang PAS Deputy Commissioner Andansura Rabu said that shutting down Genting would require Federal Legislation and legal measures beyond the state government’s control.
Pahang’s Democratic Action Party (DAP) Chairman, Lee Chin Chen, opposed the decision. He stated that closing Genting Resorts would harm Malaysia’s national revenue and affect the livelihoods of all the people working there, including local Muslim staff at the hotels and amusement parks.
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