Resorts World Genting ops, casino to close temporarily amid govt's movement control order

Tuesday 17th March 2020

KUALA LUMPUR (March 17): All operations at Resorts World Genting in Genting Highlands will be temporarily closed from tomorrow to 31, following the movement control order announced by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin yesterday to contain the coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak.

According to its website, Genting Malaysia Bhd (GENM) said the closure encompasses its hotel facilities, food and beverage outlets, casino, Skytropolis Indoor Theme Park, entertainment facilities, attractions, shopping malls and retail outlets at Resorts World Genting.

The gaming company said the operations will resume operations on April 1. The last time all operations including the casino at Resorts World Genting were closed was during the late group founder Tan Sri Lim Goh Tong's funeral back in 2007, for half a day.

"All reservations made for stay at our hotels during this period will be cancelled. Guests may seek a refund or change their reservation dates. The same applies for reservations made at Resorts World Awana, Resorts World Kijal and Resorts World Langkawi," said GENM.

"Guests who have purchased tickets for any of our attractions or shows at the resort will also be refunded," it added.

Essential resort-based services such as security, bomba, utilities and clinics will remain operational during this period.

Separately, GENM announced the temporary closure of its Resorts World Casino New York City in the US due to the Covid-19 outbreak. It did not specify when the casino will reopen.

At 2.41pm, GENM shares were down 9 sen or 4.29% at RM2.01 today, giving it a market capitalisation of RM11.91 billion. The counter saw 28.51 million shares traded.

Genting Bhd shares were also down 27 sen or 7.61% at RM3.28, valuing it at RM12.68 billion, with 15.51 million shares done.

Year-to-date, GENM shares have declined 38% while Genting has fallen some 45% from Dec 31, 2019.