Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has expressed concern over cases of foreigners allegedly misusing visitor and student visas to carry out business activities in Malaysia.
Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, said the government is aware of the threat posed by some foreigners who enter the country using visitor or tourist visas, but later engage in business activities, including in the micro, small and medium enterprise sectors.
‘Some come as tourists but run small businesses’
Speaking at the Communications Ministry’s monthly assembly in Putrajaya, Anwar said such activities could sometimes affect job opportunities and business opportunities for locals.
He gave examples of some foreigners from China who allegedly entered Malaysia using tourist visas but were involved in small businesses such as car repair workshops, air-conditioning services, small companies and coffee shops.
There are many people from China who come here on tourist visas but run small businesses such as car repair workshops, air-conditioning services, small companies and coffee shops,” he said.
Anwar also said some foreigners were believed to be using licences and permits belonging to local residents to operate businesses.
There were also cases where companies were legally registered, but goods and workers were sourced from their countries of origin, affecting the interests of local residents.
Immediate action ordered
Following this, Anwar instructed relevant departments and agencies to take strict and comprehensive action against illegal business activities involving foreigners.
He said the proposed measures must be implemented immediately and must involve all related authorities.
The IRB and Customs Department must ensure taxes are fully paid, while the Immigration Department must take action against the misuse of passes and visas.
This requires close collaboration among all enforcement agencies,” he said.
These include the Inland Revenue Board, Royal Malaysian Customs Department, Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry, local authorities, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission, Bank Negara Malaysia and the Immigration Department.
E-commerce platforms and money flow under review
Anwar said Bank Negara Malaysia and MCMC need to review e-commerce platforms and money flows, including possible elements of money laundering.
Meanwhile, the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry and local authorities should inspect whether the businesses involved comply with existing regulations.
He said the Inland Revenue Board and Customs Department must ensure taxes are fully paid, while the Immigration Department should take action against the misuse of permits.
So this requires cooperation from all enforcement agencies,” he said.
Govt wants coordinated enforcement
Anwar also said the government wants to strengthen cooperation with chambers of commerce, hawker associations and business operators to address the issue of foreigners allegedly entering Malaysia and running businesses unlawfully.
He stressed that the issue has caused widespread concern across the country and should not be handled by one agency alone.
“I emphasise this because there is widespread anxiety nationwide.“
I want effective action, not just one-sided enforcement. This kind of issue requires all relevant agencies to take coordinated action,” he said.
The issue has sparked wider discussion over the need to protect local businesses and job opportunities, while ensuring enforcement is carried out fairly and according to the law.
