Not everyone is thrilled with Penang's decision to ban legalised sports betting recently endorsed by the federal government.

Seberang Jaya (BN) assemblyperson Arif Shah Omar Shah deemed Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng's ban directive on such gambling outlets yesterday as merely "playing politics".

"Pakatan Rakyat governments have the authority to stop all gambling outlets, not just sports betting, that is the real meaning of having good intentions," Arif Shah told Malaysiakini .

"But it looks like they are now playing politics," he added, referring to Penang's decision to only bar sports betting outlets, the legalising of which was recently announced by Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak.

Rising in defence of gov't move

arif shah omar shah bn umno candidate for permatang pauh by election 140808 07 Arif Shah ( left ) defended the federal government's decision to legalise sports betting, saying it was meant to control gambling .

"When it comes to illegal betting, it is very difficult even for police to take action," he said.

"But if there was a campaign against gambling, it is easier to pin down those involved if it was legalised, so it is actually a form of control," he added.

However, he was quick to add that gambling was prohibited and rejected by every religion.

Lim is acting under the Local Government Act Section 101(v), where the local council is empowered to deal with issues concerning the municipality's safety, health and convenience.

In conjunction with his Wesak Day message, Lim said the state wanted to promote a "healthier and more responsible lifestyle" for all Penang families, and therefore decided to ban the activity.

On Thursday, several local councils in Selangor moved to freeze the license of gambling premises which offer sports betting.

It started with the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) on Tuesday, followed by Selayang and Ampang Jaya.

Meanwhile, BN member-party Gerakan said it does not think legalising sports betting is a good idea, and expressed its preference for greater participation in sports than gambling.

Its Youth deputy chief Oh Tong Keong has urged the government to reconsider its decision, saying that regulations would not curb illegal betting.

"Let's not create an opportunity for our country to develop more unhealthy activities and social problems," he said.

The move would open up more opportunities for Ah Longs (loan sharks), besides creating more avenues to siphon off family incomes, he added.

NONE Oh ( right ) suggested that since sports unite the people, more should be done to encourage people to join such activities, instead of legalising gambling.

"Look at the recent Thomas Cup tournament as a good example, Malaysians regardless of race and religion had joined together to cheer for our national team," he said.

He was apprehensive that the day would come when betting decided which countries's teams Malaysians cheered for.