He said the negative impact of gaming operations and the scourge of gambling outweighed the benefits of continuing with the activity just to let them keep their businesses and jobs.

He told reporters this after opposition assemblyman Tan Kok Yew said the impending ban would cause unemployment and affect businessmen who will be forced to wind up, resulting in vacant premises.

Sanusi said the number involved will not be high as only “a few of them” will lose their jobs.

“He (Tan) is saying that premises will be left empty. So why don’t you try other businesses, find other alternatives?

“There are so many companies affected by Covid-19 which had ventured into other fields such as food, hairdressing salons and beauty parlours. In life, you have to be creative,” he told reporters.

Yesterday, Sanusi announced that all local councils in the state would not renew the business licences of gaming outlets in an effective ban on such outlets.

An aide, who said the move was effective immediately, also announced curbs on alcohol sales in low-demand areas.

Several parties have said this infringed on the rights of non-Muslims and will cause illegal betting to thrive.