Mahazan Mat Taib H:

GROUNDS OF JUDGMENT

A. INTRODUCTION

[1]Under the Order of this Court dated 6.7.2023, 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 17.10.2023.

[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 8.12.2021 (“First Respondent’s Decision”) to cease the renewal of premises licenses for pool betting in the State of Kedah effective from 1.1.2023; and/or

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