During his speech at the monthly Communications Ministry assembly in Putrajaya today, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim mandated a nationwide restraint on businesses run by illegal foreigners abusing tourist or student visas.
Asserting that the government could on no account tolerate any more repeated violations, despite being warned numerous times, he said that strict measures will be exacted upon those found to have procured a business license illegally.
“We have given countless warnings, but now action must be taken so that they stop this immediately.”
Anwar assured that multiple agencies would be assembled in curbing the issue at once. “Bank Negara Malaysia and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) will study activities on e-commerce platforms and track money trails under anti-money laundering laws.” This includes online trading activities, financial transactions, licensing compliance, tax payments and immigration offences.
“Local councils and the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) will verify the licensing status of traders, while the Royal Malaysian Customs Department will ensure taxes are properly paid. The Immigration Department will focus on the misuse of passes and visas,” Anwar detailed at the assembly today.
In a statement, he also instructed the Communications Ministry to relay a clear message to the public, emphasising that the Malaysian Government would not take such wrongdoing lightly. “I hope the Communications Ministry can highlight this matter and send a strong message across,” he said.
Anwar added that while acknowledging that some associations were aware of the problems, others had been unreliable and, in certain cases, even had become mediators for these illegal operations. “Based on our experience through monitoring by local councils, not only have some not helped enforcement agencies, but they have ended up acting as agents for foreign workers, including collecting special fees from them,” he said.
This issue was previously raised at last Friday’s Cabinet meeting, and authorities were ordered to take action against illegal businesses run by foreigners. Today, his call for a multi-agency approach was intended to ensure that enforcement transcends mere raids and confiscations.
Source: Malay Mail
