Islamic Minister Dr. Ahmed Zahir Ali has firmly said that casinos cannot be allowed in the Maldives.
Answering a question by the MP for Kaashidhoo Constituency Abdullah Jabir today at the parliament, Islamic Minister Dr. Zahir said that operating casinos are prohibited in Islam and hence cannot be allowed in the Maldives.
Minister further said that the Islamic Ministry has only issued permits to sell alcohol and pork to non-Muslims under restricted conditions.
He added these conditions are set to make sure that locals are not involved in selling alcohol and pork.
But there are certain resorts where locals are involved with the sale of alcohol and pork.
The Islamic Minister put the question about casinos to rest after Youth Minister Ahmed Mahloof questioned whether why casinos are not allowed in the country.
Mahloof also said that this topic cannot be even broached in the Maldives which drew critisim from the public.
