PKR's lawmaker Mohamad Imran warns of 'social problems among passengers' with such vessels being allowed into Malaysian waters.
KUALA LUMPUR: A PKR lawmaker today suggested that amendments to the Merchant Shipping Ordinance look at ways to prevent cruise ships with casinos from operating in Malaysian waters.
Lumut MP Mohamad Imran Abdul Hamid claimed cruise ships with such facilities would lead to social problems among its passengers.
“I want the government to address this issue,” he told the Dewan Rakyat.
Imran’s suggestion, however, was shot down by a rather bemused Hasbullah Osman (BN-Gerik) who had earlier tabled the amendment in the Dewan Rakyat.
“Cruise ships operate in the middle of the sea, so enforcement will be difficult. They also have an operating licence,” the Gerik MP said, comparing the situation to karaoke centres which are operating legally in towns, even near mosques.
Hasbullah later said he hopes amendments to the bill will look into preventing ships from trafficking illegals into the country.
Meanwhile, debating the same bill, another lawmaker urged the government to look into lowering the cost of food in Sabah and Sarawak.
Makin @Marcus Mojigoh (BN-Putatan) said Sabahans pay 30 percent more than in the peninsula, creating a less competitive environment for East Malaysians who were exporting food products.
“The prices are higher due to transport cost. The government says we are all under 1Malaysia. What kind of 1Malaysia is this?”
Mojigoh added that food costs less in Malaysia than it does in Cambodia and Thailand.
-FMT-
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