Immigration inspects 266 foreigners from 40 countries at Forest City amid 'Network School' probe
Translated from Malay, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Malaysian immigration authorities inspected 266 foreign nationals from 40 countries at Forest City, Johor, in response to concerns about the "Network School" operation.
- Initial checks found that all individuals possessed valid immigration documents.
- Further investigations are ongoing to ensure full compliance with immigration laws and entry conditions.
Malaysian immigration authorities have conducted a thorough inspection of 266 foreign nationals from 40 countries at Forest City, Johor, following concerns raised about the "Network School" operation.
The operation, carried out in collaboration with the Iskandar Puteri City Council (MBIP), the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), the Johor State Secretary's Office, and the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), aimed to verify the immigration status of individuals present in the area.
The results of the initial check found that all individuals inspected have valid immigration documents based on current records.
Datuk Zakaria Shaaban, Director-General of Immigration, stated that preliminary checks indicated all inspected individuals possessed valid immigration documents according to current records. However, he emphasized that ongoing checks and investigations are necessary to ensure complete adherence to the conditions of entry and provisions of the Immigration Act 1959, along with related laws.
The controversy surrounding "Network School" emerged after social media users questioned its presence in Forest City, alleging that the project attracted foreign entrepreneurs, including Israelis, who entered Malaysia using second passports. In response, Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi urged the Ministry of Home Affairs (KDN) and relevant agencies to conduct a comprehensive investigation. The KDN assured that national security and legal compliance would not be compromised and cautioned the public against making speculative statements that could impede the investigation.
Further checks and investigations are ongoing to ensure full compliance with entry conditions and the provisions of the Immigration Act 1959 and related laws.
Originally published by Utusan Malaysia in Malay. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.