Last week’s report that a casino was being considered to boost tourism to the Penang islands of Malaysia has caused puzzlement amongst local lawmakers. Denying such a possibility, even if the casino were limited to foreign gamblers, state legislators and politicians had no knowledge of such a proposal. The idea of a casino appears to have come from Assemblyman Wong Mun Hoe who reportedly said that the State Government would consider a casino as a draw for tourists and to compete with Singapore.

Penang lawmakers rightly surmise that a casino in Penang would not pose much competition to the billion dollar state-of-the-art integrated resorts planned for Singapore. Pulau Jerejak, the place indicated as a casino location, may well be developed as an eco-tourist destination but also could not hope to compete with Malaysia’s own casino resort of Genting Highlands. Last month an opinion poll showed that around 28% of those asked voted for a casino at Pulau Jerejak.

Wong apparently had brought up the question of a casino for Penang some time ago at the State Assembly. However, the proposal has never been raised at any level of the Penang Government. Should the idea ever be raised, there are many who would oppose it on both religious and economic viability grounds. Penang, once known as Prince of Wales Island, is joined to the mainland by one of the longest bridges in Asia. 55% of its population is ethnic Chinese, perhaps an indication of the more liberal attitude of some in the region towards gambling and casinos. (E-01.09.06)

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