Anwar Orders Immediate Crackdown on Illegal Foreign Businesses, Visa Misuse

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has directed all ministries and agencies to swiftly dismantle illegal businesses operated by foreign nationals in Malaysia, addressing concerns over the misuse of visas and local business licenses. The Prime Minister stressed that combating this issue requires a unified effort from all parties, not just a single agency.

Anwar highlighted the increasing number of foreigners allegedly operating businesses using visitor or student visas, or exploiting permits and licenses belonging to Malaysians. He called for immediate implementation of proposed measures by all relevant ministries and agencies, including the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN), Royal Malaysian Customs Department (JKDM), Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN), Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM), and local authorities (PBT).

The Prime Minister also urged MCMC and BNM to investigate e-commerce platforms and money trails, incorporating elements of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 (AMLA). He noted a shift in the trend, from previous issues with traders from Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh, to a significant increase in Chinese nationals entering Malaysia on tourist visas but then opening small businesses like repair shops and beauty salons, causing unease among local traders.

Anwar reiterated that all businesses must have a proper registration and a fixed address, not just operate from temporary structures. He warned that strict actions, including permit confiscation, could be taken against those misusing permits, citing an example of enforcement action in Semporna, Sabah, where businesses and hotels were reportedly owned by Chinese nationals, leading to protests from local residents.