LABUAN is most recognised for being one Asia's offshore financial hubs, home to thousands of registered offshore companies and hundreds of licensed financial institutions.
It is a place that has carefully built its reputation on banking, oil and gas, and quiet island tourism.
A Facebook post claiming the island was about to become a casino hub sent shockwaves through the community. Is Labuan really being turned into a casino hub?
Verdict:
FALSE
Labuan Corporation has firmly denied the claim and lodged a police report over the viral post it says deliberately tarnished its image.
The post, uploaded on Facebook, alleged that Labuan Corporation was involved in a proposal to build a casino on Pulau Papan, one of the island's well-known tourist attractions.
The post used photographs of Labuan Corporation chief executive officer Rithuan Ismail and deputy chairman Simsudin Sidek, lending it a false air of credibility.
Rithuan denied the allegation outright, stating that Labuan Corporation had no intention or plan to turn the island into a gambling hub.
"LC has better plans for Pulau Papan as a tourism island, and it does not necessarily need a casino to attract visitors," he told Bernama.
A police report was lodged at the Labuan police station on May 15 and Labuan Corporation said it would leave the matter to the police for further investigation.
Rithuan said the viral post had created a misleading public perception and risked tarnishing Labuan Corporation's credibility as the local authority responsible for the island's development and tourism planning.
He said Pulau Papan had strong potential in sustainable tourism, recreational activities, nature-based products, heritage elements and family-oriented attractions, and that any proposal for tourism development on the island must be aligned with proper planning, public interest, environmental considerations and existing government policies.
"LC will continue to focus on responsible tourism development that benefits the people and strengthens Labuan's position as a tourist destination," he said.
Rithuan also reminded social media users to be responsible when publishing or sharing unverified claims, particularly those involving public institutions and development matters.
Source: Bernama
