KUALA LUMPUR — Gambling should not be regarded as a right of non-Muslims as the activity can bring harm to families and wider society, the head of PAS’ non-Muslim supporters’ wing said.
Dewan Himpunan Pendukung PAS (DHPP) central chairman Kumaresan Baby Kalidawson told the Islamist party’s 72nd muktamar (annual congress) today that gambling had become widespread in different forms, no longer confined to physical premises or number prediction outlets.
“Online platforms that can can be accessed using smartphones have made gambling aincreasingly accessible.
“Gambling does not just bring losses, but has a major impact on family institutions, creating debt problems and affects the well-being of society.
“Gambling is not a right of non-Muslims. It is a virus to society,” he said in his speech at the muktamar, local media report.
Its greater accessibility warranted greater efforts by the government to control gambling activities while strengthening public awareness and preventive measures.
Today, PAS delegates at the muktamar passed a resolution calling on Putrajaya to review the country’s gambling licensing policy and strengthen federal laws to allow states to impose stricter controls, including bans, on gambling activities.
The resolution called for the Finance Ministry to review the granting and renewal of gambling licences, including considering a freeze on new licences.
It also called for clearer legal provisions to allow state governments to adopt stricter policies on gambling based on religious and moral considerations.
PAS also supported a clause in the resolution that the four states under its rule — Kelantan, Terengganu, Kedah and Perlis — dubbed as the SG4, streamline existing laws such as local council by-laws and administrative measures, to ensure curbs on gambling activities have solid legal basis.
The Kedah government’s ban on pool betting outlets in the state is being challenged by operators through a judicial review, which the courts have allowed to proceed. – Sept 5, 2026