JUDGMENT

Faizah Jamaludin JCA (Majority):

Introduction

[1] These six appeals arise from the High Court 's decision at Alor Setar, delivered on 20 June 2024, allowing the respondents' applications for judicial review. The respondents challenged the Kedah State Government's decision, and its consequential implementation by the relevant local authorities, not to renew or issue business premises licences for pool betting businesses in Kedah with effect from 1 January 2023.

[2] The 1st appellant is the Government of the State of Kedah. The 2nd appellant is the Menteri Besar of Kedah, who presides over the Majlis Mesyuarat Kerajaan Negeri Kedah ("EXCO"). The respondents are pool betting operators, agents, premises operators, and persons directly affected by the cessation of renewals of business premises licences for federally licensed pool betting operations in Kedah.

[3] STM Lottery Sdn Bhd and ENE (Penang) Sdn Bhd held pool betting licences issued by the Minister of Finance under s 5 of the Pool Betting Act 1967 ("PBA 1967"). The individual agents and premises operators conducted business within that federal licensing framework and pursuant to the necessary premises licences issued by the