Malaysian Prime Minister Denies Plans for Second Casino in Forest City

Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has categorically refuted reports suggesting that the government is contemplating the issuance of a second casino license for Forest City, Johor.

This denial comes in response to recent rumors, as reported by Bloomberg, indicating that Malaysia was in preliminary discussions regarding the potential granting of a second casino license. The discussions reportedly involved prominent figures such as Tan Gree Vincent Tan, founder of Berjaya Corporation Berhad, and Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay, an executive at Genting Group. According to the Bloomberg report, authorities were considering the move as a means to inject new vitality into the area.

It's worth noting that eight months ago, Anwar had announced the establishment of a special financial zone in Forest City. The initiative aimed to stimulate Johor's economy and breathe new life into the development, which had previously faced criticism for its resemblance to a "ghost town." However, Anwar's recent denial dispels any notions of a second casino being part of these revitalization efforts.