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THE Johor state government has ordered the closure of one of the premises used by the controversial Network School in Forest City after an inspection found it was operating without a valid business licence, as the state also pressed the Federal Government to swiftly determine the status of alleged foreign nationals involved.
Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said the enforcement action was taken by the Iskandar Puteri City Council (MBIP), which has also issued a notice over unauthorised advertising signage following inspections into the company's compliance with business licensing, premises usage and advertising regulations.
In a Facebook post on Friday night, Onn Hafiz cited that the inspection found that the company was operating from two premises. One held a valid office licence, while the other, despite being owned by a Malaysian citizen, was operating without an MBIP business licence.
Authorities also found that the company had breached the conditions of its approved business category by using premises licensed as an office for classroom activities and business promotions that had not been fully declared in its application.
As a result, MBIP issued a Stop Business Notice (IP012N260714001) against the unlicensed premises.
The council also served an Advertising Licence Notice under Section 107(2) of the Local Government Act 1976 after determining that the displayed signboards failed to comply with licensing conditions and the approvals previously granted.
"Within the state's jurisdiction, the Johor Government, through MBIP, has taken enforcement action based on the powers vested in the local authority. MBIP has carried out inspections on compliance with business licences, the use of commercial premises and adherence to advertising signboard conditions.
"The inspection found that the company was operating at two premises, with one holding a valid office licence while the other was operating without an MBIP business licence despite being owned by a Malaysian citizen.
"In addition, the company was found to have breached its approved business category by using office premises as classrooms and for business promotion activities that had not been fully declared in its application," Onn Hafiz said.
He said MBIP would continue investigating all matters within its jurisdiction and warned that any breaches of laws, licence conditions or regulations would result in further enforcement action in accordance with the law.
Onn Hafiz stressed that issues concerning the entry and immigration status of foreign nationals fall exclusively under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Home Affairs (KDN).
"Regarding the recent issue involving Network School in Forest City, any matters concerning the entry of foreign nationals into the country fall under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Home Affairs. The Johor Government urges the Federal Government to provide an immediate, clear and final decision regarding the status of the individuals involved and the operations of Network School," he said. - July 18, 2026
