Network School in Forest City ordered to shut down over licensing issues

Authorities in Johor, Malaysia, have ordered the Network School in Forest City to shut down after discovering one of its premises was operating without a necessary business license. The enforcement action was announced by Johor Chief Minister Onn Hafiz Ghazi on July 17.

The Iskandar Puteri City Council (MBIP) issued a cessation of business notice to the unlicensed premises and a separate notice for displaying unapproved signboards. Inspections revealed the company used two locations, with only one holding a valid license for administrative purposes. The other site, owned by a local citizen, was found to be operating classrooms without the required MBIP business license.

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Inspections found that the company was operating from two premises, with only one holding a valid licence for an administrative office. The other premises was found to be operating without an MBIP business licence despite being owned by a local citizen.

Further violations included operating outside the approved business category for the licensed premises, using an administrative office as classrooms, and conducting promotional activities without proper applications. The Chief Minister stated that matters concerning foreign nationals fall under the Home Ministry's jurisdiction and urged the Federal Government for an immediate, clear decision regarding the individuals and operations.

This action follows earlier concerns raised on July 14 by Onn Hafiz regarding allegations of Israeli nationals participating in the school's programs. He had called for a thorough investigation by the Home Ministry and relevant agencies, emphasizing that Johor would not permit its use as a base for spreading ideologies against Malaysian law or interests. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim had previously stated that any confirmed Israeli nationals involved would be deported.

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As such, the Johor government urge the Federal Government to make an immediate, clear and final decision regarding the status of the individuals involved and the operations.