written and last updated by
Sam Smith at
24 Mar 2023
Journalist, Editorial Department
Malaysia's tourism sector is still considering the possibility of building another casino resort, but government approval is necessary for the ambitious project in the mountains of Borneo, specifically in Sarawak.
John Teo, chairman of the Sarawak chapter of the Malaysian Association of Hotels, noted that a proposal to open a casino in Sarawak was submitted to the then Prime Minister in 1997-1998 but was rejected. Teo believes that such an establishment would greatly benefit the state, as it would attract tourists eager to enjoy a range of five-star hotels and services. He also suggested that the project could enhance the overall economic situation in the area, particularly by creating new job opportunities for locals.
Oscar Chu, chairman of the Sarawak chapter of the Malaysian Association of Tour Operators and Travel Agents, emphasized the importance of casinos to the tourism industry. He pointed out that this would lead to an influx of both local and international visitors, noting that tourists typically gamble at high stakes. As a result, a significant amount of money is expected to be spent in Sarawak.
However, constructing a new casino is a complex task, as the region's tourism infrastructure needs improvement. Some buildings in Sarawak are in poor condition, and many roads require proper maintenance if the casino hopes to attract customers.
The existing casino resort, Resorts World Genting, is located in the Titiwangsa Mountains on the border between the states of Selangor and Pahang in Malaysia, in an area known as Genting Highlands. Currently, the resort features seven luxury hotels, over 25 restaurants and cafes, bowling and spa facilities, as well as a unique 18-hole golf course. The resort also offers conference center services. Its gaming areas house more than 400 table games and over 3,000 slot machines.
Meanwhile, Indiana's gaming industry continues to grow its profits despite economic pressures.
