Guan Eng slams media for unprofessional reporting

GEORGE TOWN: Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng today clarified his administration was not banning toy claw machines as reported.

He said the ban was only for gaming simulators and others types of "games of chance" machines and not crane machines where players try to pick up toys.

Lim said he did not use the word "toy claw machines" when the ban on gaming simulators was announced on Sunday.

He said "words were put in my mouth" and described such journalism as "disgraceful, irresponsible and unprofessional."

"Toy claw machines are not banned," he said in a press conference.

The restriction follows complaints the simulators were used for gambling while these machines will be permitted to operate at hotels and shopping complexes until the end of 2018.

On another issue, Lim said the inaugural Penang International Food Festival (PIFF) will be held for 16 days starting on April 15.

He expressed his hope the PIFF can become the premier food festival in the Asian region.

"It is time for Penang to have a food festival as we have some of the best street food in the world," he said.

The PIFF is divided over three weekends with each having a different theme where the first weekend will be on food of the past, the second weekend on food of the present and the third on food of the future.