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Daily Express
a day ago
- Business
- Daily Express
Sports Toto failed to prove Perlis gaming ban decision, says court
Published on: Friday, June 06, 2025 Published on: Fri, Jun 06, 2025 By: Ho Kit Yen, FMT Text Size: The High Court in Kangar refused STM Lottery Sdn Bhd and four others leave to bring judicial proceedings against the Perlis state government, saying the application was 'frivolous'. PETALING JAYA: The Kangar High Court dismissed a bid by Sports Toto Malaysia and four others to revive their gaming business in Perlis, saying the application failed to identify any 'official decision' that could be made subject to judicial review. Justice Arik Sanusi Yeop Johari said the applicants had not identified any decision by the Perikatan Nasional-led state government that had impacted their livelihood. Advertisement Instead, they relied on printed and online news reports about the state's purported refusal to issue lottery operators licences for business premises, the judge said. 'The applicants only cited printed and online news reports (about the purported decision). 'These news reports cannot be considered an 'official decision' made by the state government, and thus the application is frivolous,' Arik said in a judgment issued last week. The judgment set out the grounds for a decision he had handed down last year. The applicants – STM Lottery Sdn Bhd, Leong Jenn Kiang, Chin Soo Shian, C Santha and Yip Kok Chyun – are appealing the decision to the Court of Appeal. They are seeking to quash the Kangar municipal council's decision not to renew the licences for their business premises, thereby preventing them from operating their lottery business. They contend that matters relating to the issuance of gaming licences are within the purview of federal law. For that reason, they said the state authorities' decision was irrational, ultra vires the powers vested in the municipal council and the state government, and contravened the Federal Constitution. However, Arik said the application for leave to bring judicial review proceedings was bound to fail for lack of a formal decision. The judge added that even if such a decision had been made, the matter was one of policy. 'The court does inquire into policy making decisions,' he said. The applicants' appeal will come up for case management in the Court of Appeal on June 16. Parallel case in Kedah Meanwhile, a High Court in Alor Setar last year quashed the Kedah government's refusal to renew the licences of several pool betting agents, their companies and officers. The court held that the state government had overstepped its powers under the Federal Constitution in doing so. It said pool betting and lotteries were matters within the federal government's purview, and that the state government had no power to ban them. The state government's appeal from that decision was heard by the Court of Appeal on May 26, which has reserved its judgment. The appeal has been fixed for case management on June 24. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
New Straits Times
21-05-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Kedah reiterates commitment to responsible REE mining, urges completion of SOP
ALOR STAR: Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor has reiterated the state government's commitment to complying with strict procedures and guidelines to ensure the responsible mining of non-radioactive rare earth elements (REE). However, he said that the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) must first finalise the standard operating procedure (SOP) for REE mining in forest reserve areas. "As long as the ministry's policy continues to prohibit REE mining in forest reserves, there's no point in having SOPs, because most REE reserves are found within forest reserves," he told the New Straits Times. Sanusi was responding to NRES Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad's recent statement dismissing the Menteri Besar's claims that the federal government was delaying the release of the SOP for REE mining. Nik Nazmi said the SOP had been completed and distributed to all state governments via a letter dated Dec 20, 2023. He also reiterated that REE mining is strictly prohibited in permanent forest reserves, environmentally sensitive areas, and designated protection zones. Commenting further, Sanusi said the state government had tabled proposals twice during National Land Council (MTN) meetings to designate Bukit Enggang in the Sik district as a pilot study site to assess the environmental and forest impact of REE extraction. However, he said no response has been received from the ministry to date, raising questions about the federal government's commitment to exploring alternative resources that could boost the state's revenue. "In both National Land Council meetings, Kedah offered Bukit Enggang as a site for a case study on the effects of REE extraction on forest stands and ecological balance, but until now, silence. "So, what's the point of creating more SOPs if that's their attitude, rigid and unwilling to understand," he added. Last week, Sanusi claimed the federal government was intentionally withholding the SOP to stifle the development of Perikatan Nasional-led states under the SG4 alliance. He said the SG4 states, particularly Kedah, Kelantan, and Terengganu, possess significant REE resources with high potential for generating substantial income if explored legally. Previously, Sanusi had repeatedly urged NRES to review Policy 12, which prohibits mining within forest reserves, noting that most REE sources have been identified in such areas.
New Straits Times
19-05-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Federal govt not delaying REE SOP, says Nik Nazmi
PUTRAJAYA: Claims that the federal government is delaying the release of the standard operating procedure (SOP) for rare earth elements (REE) mining are unfounded, said Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad. In a statement today, he said the SOP had been completed and distributed to all state governments via a letter dated Dec 20, 2023. The document outlines detailed guidelines on technical processes, environmental compliance, mine rehabilitation, and export controls. "It serves as a comprehensive reference based on existing legislation, designed to help state governments adapt implementation in accordance with their own legal frameworks. "As such, any delays or obstacles at the state level should not be attributed solely to the federal government," he said. The statement was issued in response to Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor's allegation that the federal government was intentionally withholding the SOP to hinder the progress of Perikatan Nasional-led states under the SG4 alliance. Nik Nazmi reiterated that REE mining is strictly prohibited in permanent forest reserves, environmentally sensitive areas, and designated protection zones. "However, mining outside these areas may proceed, subject to compliance with applicable policies, laws, and guidelines," he said. Addressing claims that an exploration SOP has yet to be released, he clarified that exploration activities fall under state jurisdiction. "For instance, in Kedah, these provisions are already set out under the Kedah Mineral Enactment 2004 through the issuance of prospecting and exploration licences," he said. Nik Nazmi also dismissed allegations that the federal government is deliberately obstructing state-level development. He affirmed the government's commitment to fostering a mineral sector that is both economically beneficial and environmentally sustainable, for the long-term benefit of all states and future generations. "It is crucial for all parties, especially state leaders, to base their arguments on facts and avoid politicising natural resource policies. "What the people truly need is stronger collaboration between the federal and state governments to drive meaningful development," he added.
The Sun
19-05-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
Federal govt not delaying REE SOP, says Nik Nazmi
PUTRAJAYA: Claims that the federal government is delaying the release of the standard operating procedure (SOP) for rare earth elements (REE) mining are unfounded, said Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad. In a statement today, he said the SOP had been completed and distributed to all state governments via a letter dated Dec 20, 2023. The document outlines detailed guidelines on technical processes, environmental compliance, mine rehabilitation, and export controls. 'It serves as a comprehensive reference based on existing legislation, designed to help state governments adapt implementation in accordance with their own legal frameworks. 'As such, any delays or obstacles at the state level should not be attributed solely to the federal government,' he said. The statement was issued in response to Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor's allegation that the federal government was intentionally withholding the SOP to hinder the progress of of Perikatan Nasional-led states under the SG4 alliance. Nik Nazmi reiterated that REE mining is strictly prohibited in permanent forest reserves, environmentally sensitive areas, and designated protection zones. 'However, mining outside these areas may proceed, subject to compliance with applicable policies, laws, and guidelines,' he said. Addressing claims that an exploration SOP has yet to be released, he clarified that exploration activities fall under state jurisdiction. 'For instance, in Kedah, these provisions are already set out under the Kedah Mineral Enactment 2004 through the issuance of prospecting and exploration licences,' he said. Nik Nazmi also dismissed allegations that the federal government is deliberately obstructing state-level development. He affirmed the government's commitment to fostering a mineral sector that is both economically beneficial and environmentally sustainable, for the long-term benefit of all states and future generations. 'It is crucial for all parties, especially state leaders, to base their arguments on facts and avoid politicising natural resource policies. 'What the people truly need is stronger collaboration between the federal and state governments to drive meaningful development,' he added.
The Sun
19-05-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
Federal govt denies delaying REE mining SOP release
PUTRAJAYA: Claims that the federal government is delaying the release of the standard operating procedure (SOP) for rare earth elements (REE) mining are unfounded, said Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad. In a statement today, he said the SOP had been completed and distributed to all state governments via a letter dated Dec 20, 2023. The document outlines detailed guidelines on technical processes, environmental compliance, mine rehabilitation, and export controls. 'It serves as a comprehensive reference based on existing legislation, designed to help state governments adapt implementation in accordance with their own legal frameworks. 'As such, any delays or obstacles at the state level should not be attributed solely to the federal government,' he said. The statement was issued in response to Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor's allegation that the federal government was intentionally withholding the SOP to hinder the progress of of Perikatan Nasional-led states under the SG4 alliance. Nik Nazmi reiterated that REE mining is strictly prohibited in permanent forest reserves, environmentally sensitive areas, and designated protection zones. 'However, mining outside these areas may proceed, subject to compliance with applicable policies, laws, and guidelines,' he said. Addressing claims that an exploration SOP has yet to be released, he clarified that exploration activities fall under state jurisdiction. 'For instance, in Kedah, these provisions are already set out under the Kedah Mineral Enactment 2004 through the issuance of prospecting and exploration licences,' he said. Nik Nazmi also dismissed allegations that the federal government is deliberately obstructing state-level development. He affirmed the government's commitment to fostering a mineral sector that is both economically beneficial and environmentally sustainable, for the long-term benefit of all states and future generations. 'It is crucial for all parties, especially state leaders, to base their arguments on facts and avoid politicising natural resource policies. 'What the people truly need is stronger collaboration between the federal and state governments to drive meaningful development,' he added.
