Citing an increase in crime, the MPs unanimously back a proposal to close gambling venues in the state.

The Shan State parliament approved a proposal to ban gambling shops after it was put forward by a Shan Nationalities League for Democracy (SNLD) parliamentarian on Thursday.

Hsenwi Township MP Nang Khin Htar Yee proposed the closing of the venues, citing gambling as a widespread social problem in northern Shan State in particular.

“My colleagues met youth in Lashio,” she explained in the sixth session of parliament on Wednesday. “This proposal has been made with the voices of university students. Many gambling shops have increased in a short time.”

On Thursday, Nang Khin Htar Yee’s proposal was discussed by MPs from Kutkhai and Kalaw townships in the legislative session.

Sai Shaw, a youth from Kutkhai, said that many young people engage in gambling games in the area, and that, as a consequence, crime and social problems have increased.

“If we cannot ban gambling shops and cannot take action strongly against them, unnecessary problems will come up and it will damage people’s lives and property,” Nang Khin Htar Yee said.

Attending the state parliamentary session were 118 out of 143 MPs—they unanimously backed her proposal.