The government mobilises the entire public service machinery to crack down on foreign nationals misusing visas, permits and licences for business activities
KUALA LUMPUR: The government is mobilising its entire public service machinery to crack down on foreign nationals misusing visas, permits and licences for business activities in Malaysia, said Chief Secretary to the Government (KSN) Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar.
The move, he said, follows Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s directive for firm, sweeping action to enforce the law and protect the nation’s economic sovereignty.
Beyond legal compliance, Shamsul Azri explained, the effort aims to safeguard the interests of Malaysians and uphold a fair, transparent and integrity-driven business ecosystem.
“I take the Prime Minister’s directive seriously. I am mobilising the entire public service machinery to strengthen coordinated, integrated action across ministries and agencies, to enforce the law, protect the people, and preserve a just business environment, ” he declared in a Facebook post today.
He added that there will be no compromise on any form of visa, permit or licence abuse that threatens the national economy, public welfare or Malaysia’s sovereign interests.
Earlier, during his speech at the Ministry of Communications’ monthly assembly, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim voiced concern over the influx of foreigners misusing visitor and student visas to conduct business locally.
He said some foreigners run businesses using licences and permits belonging to locals, while others register legally but source goods and labour from their home countries, directly undercutting local businesses and communities.
To combat this, Anwar has instructed all relevant ministries and agencies, including the Inland Revenue Board, Royal Malaysian Customs Department, Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living, local authorities, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission and Bank Negara Malaysia to take firm, comprehensive action against such activities.
