The ban on betting outlets in Kuala Terengganu is still enforced by the Kuala Terengganu City Council.

When contacted by Malaysiakini , a licensing division officer, who did not want to be named,  said that the ban on betting outlets had been in force since 1999, when the state was ruled by PAS.

“We (Kuala Terengganu City Council) have not issued any permit (for a betting outlet) to anyone since PAS took over in 1999 until this very day, as it is still haram (illegal).

“And today, the state is now under BN, but the ban on betting outlets is still imposed as we have yet to receive any form of orders or instructions to allow, or issue permits for betting outlets for those interested,” he said.

However, Terengganu exco member Toh Chin Yaw still insists that the ban has been lifted since BN took over control from PAS in 2004.

“Since Barisan took over, all prohibitions on entertainment outlets such as karaoke, liquor stores, snooker centres, concerts and many more were lifted.

“Regarding the betting outlets, anyone (who is keen) can most certainly apply for a permit to operate a betting outlet, provided they follow the conditions of the law and requirements,” Toh said when contacted.

However, he said that applications for betting outlets is still subject to scrutiny by the council.

‘No need to respond to challenge’

Asked to respond to Batu Burok state assemblyperson Syed Azman Syed Ahmad Nawawi’s challenge to show proof that the ban on betting outlets in the state has been lifted, Toh said: “I don’t need to say anything la , as I treat it (the challenge) as rubbish. He (Syed Azman) does not have credibility. He clearly does not know what he is saying.

“Even in the dewan (state assembly) he is labelled as a liar, so, what is there for me to respond to?” Toh asked.

Last Friday, Syed Azman had stated that the betting outlet ban was still in force in the state of Terengganu and demanded that Toh show proof that the state has legalised betting outlets.

Meanwhile, Kuala Terengganu district police chief Zamri Shamsuddin has denied claims by Syed Azman that there had been a clampdown on illegal betting syndicates in the state.

“So far, there has not been any operasi (operation) or seizing whatsoever from our side (police force) regarding the lottery and toto activities, including betting outlet activities,” he said when contacted. 

The legality of betting outlets and sales of lottery tickets have become a hot topic for the MCA, which is crying foul over Kota Bharu Municipal Council's recent raid on stationery shops selling lottery tickets. 

PAS-ruled Kelantan has banned all forms of gambling in the state since it took the reins in 1990. 

MCA president Dr Chua Soi Lek is seeking a meeting with Kelantan Menteri Besar Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat over the matter, but has yet to comment on the situation in Terengganu.