KUALA LUMPUR: Individuals whose entertainment premises are raided by the police or immigration authorities for conducting illegal activities may not be able to apply for new licences in the future, unless they received the nod from the authorities.
Deputy Home Minister Datuk Azis Jamman said the ministry currently has no control over the issuance of licences, and that this would come from the local councils.
He pointed out that there have been many instances where premises were raided, especially those involved in gambling, would apply for a new entertainment license under a different company name and would have their applications approved.
“These premises owners will just apply for another licence under a different name and misuse their licences to start their illegal operations again. And it is not us (ministry) who approve their applications,“ he told the Dewan Negara, here today.
“The time has come for us to review the law and make it that if we raid any premises and found that they are involved in illegal activities, then the local councils can’t approve the individual’s future licence applications.
“This will apply for as long as the authorities do not give the green light to the councils or until our investigations on the cases are completed.”
Azis had, last month in the Dewan Rakyat, said it was difficult for the government to eliminate illegal gambling in the country despite its best efforts, as it had no control over the issuance of licences to the premises involved.
On what actions were being taken by the government to address the issue of young Malaysians being involved in online gambling, Azis said all quarters should play a role in educating the younger generation.
“The government can’t be fully responsible. Everyone, especially parents, must also do their part and monitor their children’s usage of technology. Maybe then we can solve this issue of youth online gambling.
“Having said that, we (government) will still engage experts to see how best we can curb online gambling,“ he added.
