The Penang government will ban all "simulator machines" or "games of chance" in the state after 2018 to curb the increasing number of social problems.

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said the decision was made by the state during an exco meeting following concerns about social problems and the dumping of such machines, which include those that require people to try their luck at picking up small figurines and soft toys using a claw.

He said both the Penang Island City council (MBPP) and Seberang Prai municipal councils (MPSP) will be notified of the new ruling.

"As for this year, simulator machines will only be allowed to operate inside hotels, malls and supermarkets but after 2018, Penang will no longer have any simulator machines," he told reporters after a dialogue session with youth at the foot of Cherok Tokun forest reserve in Bukit Mertajam today.

He added that all new applicants for simulator machine licence would be rejected while the renewal of current licences will not be approved after 2018.

- Bernama