Terengganu is devoid of betting outlets not because of a ban by the authorities, but because no one has applied to run such businesses, said Terengganu exco member Toh Chin Yaw.

"Since BN took over the state in 2004, a few people said they wanted to run betting outlets, but it’s just talk. No one has officially applied," said Toh, according to a report by Sin Chew Daily yesterday.

Betting, along with strict laws on alcohol sales, were implemented by local authorities after PAS took control of the state in 1999. All betting outlets were forced to close.

Asked if he meant that the state government would approve such applications, Toh said that he could not answer the question because there has been hitherto no such applications.

Based on procedure, the state government or local authorities will consider the applications, he said.

"We should focus on the Kelantan situation. DAP needs to explain themselves. (DAP advisor) Lim Kit Siang should take the Kelantan government to court," said Toh.

Several MCA and Gerakan leaders have been repeatedly quizzing DAP over their stand on PAS-ruled Kelantan's decision to raid two shops which secretly sold lottery tickets.

Betting outlets have been banned since PAS recaptured the state in 1990.

The issue has become a political hot potato for Pakatan Rakyat because MCA and Gerakan are using the issue to portray PAS as being out to curb non-Muslim freedoms.

The awkward situation for Pakatan sees DAP mildly criticising the Kelantan government, which in turn defends its decision on moral and religious grounds.