The waves of protest against the federal government legislation on sports betting seems to have reached the sandy shores of Penang.


 Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng today announced that its two local councils will be directed to bar sports betting issued by Barisan Nasional government to Ascot Sports Sdn Bhd.


 <img align="right" alt="NONE" height="289" src="http://mk-cdn.mkini.net/259/a45539c680007dda98f8c11fb5de2825.jpg" width="240"/>
 In conjuction with his Wesak Day message, Lim said the state wanted to promote a "healthier and more responsible lifestyle" for all Penang families.


 "We are concerned at the excessively high number of draws -12 draws or special draws conducted weekly by the three gaming companies licensed by the BN government, which should be reduced," he said at a press conference in Komtar today.


 "The Penang state government is not opposed to betting or gaming outlets in Penang, however many of the breadwinners feel obliged to 'chase' after each draw with all three operators resulting in substantial loss of income to the family and their children," he added.


 Lim said in order to discourage the excessive number of draws and special draws as well as to promote a healthier social fabric, the Penang government has decided to reject the application of the new sports betting licensee.


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


 
 Stop issuing new permits
 




 Meanwhile, three Penang municipal councilors, who claim they represent all Muslims in the council, want the state to go a step further to stop the issuance of permits to all gambling and alcohol premises.


 The trio who held a press conference at the PAS operation centre in Jelutong today, said the state must consider the &lsquo;sensitivities' of Muslims and take immediate action on these vices as they were considered haram.


 Councilor Mohammad Yusof Noor said he and his colleagues will be proposing to the state to withhold the issuing of permits to new operators, including those related to sports gambling, and previous licences approved will be monitored closely.


 This proposal will be submitted to the pre-council meeting next month.


 
 
 "We mean well for all citizens, whether Muslims or non-Muslims, because these vices affect everyone," said Mohammad Yusof, who is also a representative of the mosque in Jelutong.


 "Also these vices hurt the sensitivity of the Muslims and as part of the government, we cannot be a patron to these vices," added Mohammad Yusof, who is also PAS Jelutong chairperson.


 
 Muslims will be monitored
 


 Councilor Mohd Zahry Shaik Abdul Rahman warned that Muslims patronising gambling and alcohol outlets were already being monitored and arrested by plainclothes officials from the state religious department.


 "We are promoting universal values that do not approve excessive drinking and gambling which can lead to a lot of social problems," he added.


 Another councilor Zikri Fadzil said outlets selling alcohol openly may have their licenses revoked as this is not in line with council prerequisites.


 "Coffee shops and food courts are actually not allowed to sell alcohol because this is too public and are patronised by Muslims and non-Muslims alike, including children," said Zikri.


 "When our children or youths see these vices being promoted openly, they might want to try it and this is definitely not what we want as it can cause robberies and even murder," he added.


 Zikri also pointed out that four-digit outlets caused traffic jams during peak hours.


 "In Jelutong, it is noticeable that when it is &lsquo;numbers day', there are massive traffic jams outside the outlets and this has brought many complaints, including those from non-Muslims," he added.&nbsp;


 
 
 Kedah follows suit
 
 




 In a related development, Kedah Menteri Besar Azizan Abdul Razak also announced today that sports betting will not be allowed in the state.


 He told
 
 Guangming Daily
 
 that the state government will not approve any licence for sports betting activity.


 This is expected as state exco in charge of local councils Phahrolrazi Zawawi had yesterday said Kedah would not legalise sports betting.


 He said that while Kedah will maintain existing gambling licenses, it will not approve any new licence for sports betting.


 
 <a href="http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/132962">
 Sport betting targets the youth
 </a>

UPDATED 10.20PM

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