Menteri besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor announced on Sunday that local councils in the state would not renew the licences of 4D outlets and would also impose restrictions on alcohol sales in Malay-majority areas.

At a press conference today, he said his decision was final and according to the law.

“You want to file a judicial review, it is up to you. Those who want to defend gambling outlets can challenge it. My government decided as per the law, so I am ready to face anything,” he said.

Sanusi said a similar policy was introduced in Kelantan and Terengganu, but the people in the two states did not threaten to sue.

In response to state DAP chief and assemblyman Tan Kok Yew’s plans to file a judicial review, Sanusi said it was expected “as DAP had sided with the gambling premises”.

Muda’s Lim Wei Jiet had said the decision was unconstitutional, because betting and lotteries were under the federal government’s purview.

There are 45 4D outlets in Kedah, the state assembly heard recently.

Sanusi also apologised to Penang mufti Wan Salim Wan Mohd Noor for offending him over his remark asking Kedahans to go to Penang if they wanted to bet on 4D numbers.

Wan Salim had criticised Sanusi for alluding that Penang was a sin city.

Sanusi said Wan Salim was his lecturer at Universiti Sains Malaysia and he respected the mufti as a “guru”.

“I was joking. If he felt offended, I am sorry. I did not say Pulau Pinang Darul Judi. I had no intention to insult Penang.

“All I said was people can go to Penang to buy numbers, where such premises still operate.

“Dr Wan Salim is the mufti of Penang, right? So, he should advise Penang to do the same (ban 4D outlets).”