Well, we gotta say, that sure is a strange thing to ban.
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 council (MPSP) will be notified of the new ruling.
The “toy claw” machine, also known as the claw crane machine or claw machine, is a type of arcade game known as a merchandiser and is commonly found in video arcades, supermarkets, restaurants, movie theatres, shopping malls, and bowling alleys.
In countries like Japan and South Korea, the machines can be found just about anywhere including along streets/alleys or “parked” in front of stores.
The machine consists of prizes, usually plush toys or alternatives such as jewellery, dolls, candy, and electronics. Players are required to insert money or tokens, which then allows the player to manipulate a joystick that controls the claw for a variable amount of time. The player is able to move the claw back, forth, and sideways before descending the claw and making an attempt to grip a prize.
After making the gripping attempt, the claw then moves over an opening in the corner of the case and releases its contents. If the player is successful, then the prize will be dropped into the opening and dispensed through a chute into a hatch.
Yes, it can get pretty addictive if one is persistent enough.
In speaking to reporters yesterday (Sunday, 26th February 2017), Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said, “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 also added that all new applicants for simulator machine licence would be rejected while the renewal of current licence will not be approved after 2018.
We get the smoking ban and the ban on plastic bags, but this? What do you guys think? Is this ban necessary or no? Let us know your thoughts!
Source: Bernama via MMO / Featured image: travel.thefuntimesguide.com.
