Asked to comment on a news report quoting Ismail as saying that he had issued an order for their closure on May 21, an MKN spokesman told FMT that the casino is closed.

The news report also quoted Ismail as saying he did not know that the casino had been operating.

Ismail’s statement was slammed by Amanah’s vice-president Mahfuz Omar, who accused the government of not being responsible.

“The government is afraid to state the truth by admitting that gambling activities are allowed.

“He (Ismail) was not honest because during the MCO period, even the numbers forecasting companies were allowed to operate,” said Mahfuz.

On April 22, a group of 28 tourists from Alor Setar, Kedah, had reportedly travelled to Genting Highlands through the government-authorised green travel bubble concept.

However, when they returned two days later, a number of them experienced Covid-19 symptoms. On May 7, the health ministry confirmed that 16 of the 28 individuals had tested positive for the virus.

There has, however, been no confirmation that the individuals were infected at the casino.