Supplier News
Malaysia – Johor Minister denies reports of hosting Malaysia’s second casino
By Phil - 13 January 2014
Despite rumours of a second casino in Malaysia gaining in strength in the local media, Malaysian politicians have issued a firm denial regarding the speculation.
The media has speculated that a growing number of sources are pointing to a second casino development in Danga Bay in the region of Johor Baru.
Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, Chief Minister of Johor, however confirmed that he had not received any application, proposal or plan for a casino and if he had, he would not approve it. He added that even if the federal government approved such a development, the state government would reject it.
A report in mid-December speculated that Malaysian businessman and Cardiff City Chairman Tan Sri Vincent Tan wanted his company Berjaya Assets to develop land at Johor Baru into a ‘huge entertainment resort with a chain of high-end restaurants and posh clubs, possibly spiced up with slot machines.’
However Berjaya Assets Bhd refuted the reports the suggestion. “The board would like to formally state that there is no truth to the speculation regarding the possibility of the company being given the right to operate a gaming establishment akin to a casino in Johor,” the company stated.
Malaysia is home to just one casino; Genting’s Resorts World Malaysia. The operator is in the process of investing RM3bn (US$958m) in renovating its mountain top casino resort as the group looks to bring it in line with the standards set at the group’s newer operations in Singapore and The Philippines. The aim is to double the profit at the 42-year-old venue.
