Deputy Chief Minister Jaujan Sambakong launching an event organised by the Sabah Insitute of Development Studies, the state’s think-tank, in Kota Kinabalu today.
While the federal finance ministry was the one issuing licences for the machines, he said, the state government had jurisdiction over the business permits. In a statement earlier this year, its president Ansari Abdulah hoped other local authorities in the state would do the same.However, the opposition Parti Gagasan Rakyat, said it was unwise, adding they were worried this would give rise to more illegal gambling.
The former Kota Kinabalu MP said these establishments had given back to the community through donations to schools and charity organisations.