Although the Covid-19 situation is worsening in many parts around the world, Malaysian Casino RWG stays open during lockdown. Genting Malaysia Berhad’s Resorts World Genting (‘RWG’) a casino resort in Malaysia’s capital will not close its doors to the public despite the government-mandated lockdown order.

The Malaysian Government has issued a strict Enhanced Movement Control Order (EMCO) in an effort to prevent the spread of Covid-19. The EMCO was imposed on December 5, 2020 and extends until March 2021, with the possibility of a further extension. The order restricts citizens from leaving their properties and prevents visitors and tourists from travelling around the country. To help enforce the order, the government has deployed armed forces around the country.

Due to the fact that the EMCO mainly affects citizens and businesses in certain affected areas around Malaysia, RWG has found a way to get around it. The casino emphasizes that they are a gambling and hospitality facility located outside the affected Covid zones and therefore do not have to succumb to the lockdown orders.

Although RWG claims they fall outside the lockdown boundary, they are still taking appropriate steps to prevent the spread of Covid-19.  RWG has recorded only one case of Covid-19 in an employee on November 24. 2020. In response, the company treated the employee with medical attention, forced quarantine and provided testing to all those who had come into contact with the affected worker.

Once all safety measures were taken, employees and guests were allowed to resume their normal functions. The casino guarantees their facilities are safe and take proactive measures to ensure all employees and third-party contractors are tested on a regular basis.

By undertaking rigorous and consistent internal testing, RWG Insists that they are complying with the Covid-19 procedures that the Malaysian government has imposed.

In early 2020 from March 18 to June 19, RWG did completely halt their operations and have been operating at a reduced capacity since that time. The company has suffered consecutive quarterly losses and reported a net loss or around RM130 million in their third quarter of last year. This is staggering when compared to the net profit of RM300 million that the casino made in the third quarter of 2019.

The pandemic and procedures put in place as a response to it, have taken a massive toll on the gaming and tourism industry in Malaysia. Businesses have temporarily or permanently closed, and many restrictions are still in place. In order to prevent any more financial losses, the casino and resort is open with a reduced capacity and has appropriate safety measures in place.

Round Up:

• Casino and Resort in Malaysia (RWG) will not close its doors despite the Malaysian Government enforcing Covid-19 preventative measures
• RWB has stated that they are responding to the pandemic by consistently testing employees
• The casino reported a RM130 million net loss in the third quarter of 2020