JUDGMENT

Mahazan Mat Taib J:

A. Introduction

[1] Under the Order of this Court dated 6 July 2023, these six (6) applications for judicial review ("suits") were heard together before this Court. Leave to commence judicial review was later allowed by this Court on 17 October 2023.

[2] The suits relate to:

(a) the decision of the First and Second Respondent to not renew and/or issue business premises licence to the Applicants who run pool betting businesses in Kedah; and

(b) the act of the Third and Fourth Respondents who upon the First and Second Respondent's direction, refused to renew and/or issue business premises licenses to the Applicants who run pool betting businesses in Kedah.

[3] The prayers the Applicants seek in these six (6) suits are as follows:

(a) A declaration that the First Respondent had acted illegally and/or irrationally in:

(i) Deciding pursuant to the EXCO's decision on 8 December 2021 ("First Respondent's Decision") to cease the renewal of premises licenses for pool betting in the State of Kedah effective from 1 January 2023; and/or

(ii) Causing the Municipal Councils to issue the notice and/or letters ("Municipal Letters") to inform the Applicants that their respective