KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 14): Kedah will ban all 4D lottery shops in the state by not renewing the business licenses issued by local councils in a bid to stamp out social ills, said Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Nor.

In a report by Free Malaysia Today, the MB said the state will also limit the sale of alcohol in rural parts of Kedah, saying demand for such beverages in these areas are low.

“This is to ensure a Kedah free of gambling, as we all know it has caused the collapse of family institutions and even civilisations, besides resulting in debt problems.

“Those who want to buy (4D lottery numbers) can go to Penang,” he was quoted as saying after tabling the 2022 state budget at the Kedah assembly on Sunday (Nov 14).

Meanwhile, Sanusi said the curb on alcohol sales “would not affect non-Muslim consumers”, adding that the move was implemented "to ensure Kedahans are always in a sober state of mind".

According to him, the owners of gambling stores make profits, while the consequences of gambling are felt by the people, especially non-Muslims.

“I do not want to be questioned in the afterlife on what I had done to curb gambling when I led the state government," he added.