KOTA KINABALU: The Federation of Chinese Associations Sabah (FCAS) has supported the Sarawak state government’s recent statement, that it could not rule out the possibility of developing Borneo Highlands into the country’s “second Genting Highlands”.
Its President Tan Sri T.C Goh opined that Sabah State government too should perhaps give it a thought i.e. to allow for casino operations at a suitable location, with proper rules and strict guidelines in place.
He said, if Peninsular Malaysia and Sarawak are allowed to operate casinos to help stimulate tourism, entertainment industry and related economic sectors, then Sabah too should consider making such a move.
Goh who is also a committee member of the Sabah Economic Advisory Council (SEAC) recalled that, Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Dr Jeffrey Kitingan too had made similar proposal last year, in which he said Sabah government would propose the Federal government to transform Sabah into duty-free heaven, besides allowing it to set up a casino in a selected tourist spot in the state. This was aimed chiefly to transform Sabah into a premier tourist destination in ASEAN,
Goh nonetheless asserted that such a proposal should only be allowed to carry out, if all quarters concerned are of the opinion that it will bring more benefits than harm.
Goh who is also President of The Federation of Chinese Associations Malaysia (Huazong) was responding to Sarawak Education, Innovation and Talent Development Minister Datuk Roland Sagah Wee Inn’s statement on Saturday that, he has no qualms about opening a casino in Borneo Highlands, adding that the casino may help spur the state’s economy.
Prior to this, Sarawak Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the possibility of developing Borneo Highlands into the country’s “second Genting Highlands” could not be ruled out.
He further contended that if licensed 4D gaming outlets like Sports Toto and Magnum are currently allowed to operate in Sarawak, he doesn’t see as to why a casino can’t be allowed to operate with strict rules and regulations.
While making it absolutely clear that he does not encourage people to indulge in gambling activities, he nonetheless opined that it can be a good idea if regulated properly, citing Singapore as an example.
“I think why not, as long as it does not lead to big social problems,” he was reported as saying.
He nonetheless stressed that he can’t say yes or no (to having casinos opened in Borneo Highlands) at the moment, and that he will leave it to the state government to decide whether to allow casinos to be built there.
Meanwhile, his colleague cum State Education, Innovation and Talent Development Minister Datuk Roland Sagah Wee Inn in his statement made on Saturday recalled that many years ago Singapore also initially opposed the idea of having a casino, but eventually, they allowed gambling in Singapore.
“And we see how it (has) developed. But of course, with all this, we must have certain guidelines to control gambling in our state,” he said.
Goh thus opined that if Sarawak or Sabah can operate casinos, it will certainly help boost the state tourism industry and its spin-off industries, besides generating quality employment to the local people.
Goh who is also President of The Federation of Sabah and Labuan Hokkien Associations (FSLHA) then recalled that the Association too had during its annual general meeting (AGM) last year unanimously endorsed Dr Jeffrey’s proposal and call urging the state government to convince the Federal government to transform Sabah into duty-free heaven, besides considering setting up a casino in a suitable tourist spot in the state, so as to help propel the state tourism industry and state economy, as a whole.
While stressing that he does not encourage gambling activities, he nonetheless opined that the proposed casino operations should be allowed, if there are proper regulations and guidelines to regulate such operations.-pr/BNN
