Batam says no to gambling

BATAM, Riau: The Batam Development Authority has rejected any proposal to allow gambling on the industrial island, Antara reported on Monday.

"We are not even considering the idea. We have even banned ships that have gambling facilities on board from entering Batam waters," Ismeth Abdullah, the head of the agency, said.

"We want to rectify the image of Batam as a city for gambling and sex, by developing tourism facilities with religious values," he said.

Batam has become a popular getaway resort for Singaporeans, some of whom go there regularly because of the prostitution and gambling facilities. (04)