Gambling den licences under purview of federal government: Lim

GEORGE TOWN: All licences for gambling dens are under the purview of the federal government, said Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng.
He said the local authorities in the state did not have the power to issue such licences which comes under the federal administration.
He was responding to a statement by Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong who said two states with the most illegal gambling dens were Selangor and Penang.
However, he said the state had taken steps to tackle such issues by banning simulator machines used for gambling or machines with gaming elements beginning next year.
"We have taken the first initiative," he said when asked on Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar's call to cease issuing family entertainment licences which turned into gambling centres.
Lim said state would cooperate with the police for action to be taken against those operators violating the law.
Earlier, Lim accompanied by Fast Rent Bike (Penang) Sdn Bhd director Ken Yeoh launched the new Link Bike card.
Lim said the RM30 membership card for a year will make it easier for those who were keen on using the bicycles.
"It will be simple and easy for everyone to use without downloading the mobile app, " he said, adding users could sign up at Link Bike office or Light Cafe in Esplanade on June 1.
He added Link Bike achieved 8,583 ridership as of yesterday as it has also achieved a total 250 bicycles and 22 bike stations.
Lim, meanwhile, urged interested participants to join in the "I Love Penang Run" to be held in Petaling Jaya, Selangor on July 2 which was limited to 5,000 people.
He said the five km fun run supported by the state and organised by Actife Style Concept Sdn Bhd was to reach out to as many Penangites in the city.
"Registration fee is RM25 (inclusive of T-Shirt and medal), " he said, adding it will be flagged off at Central Park, Bandar Utama at 7.30am.
Online registration can be made at http://www.actifestyle.com/events/ILovePenang@PJ.