PUTRAJAYA, June 8 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today expressed concern over the growing number of foreigners allegedly misusing visitor and student visas to conduct business activities in Malaysia.
He said the government is aware of the threat posed by some foreign nationals who enter the country on tourist or student visas before operating businesses, including in the micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) sector.
According to Anwar, such practices could adversely affect employment opportunities for Malaysians.
“Many also arrive from China on tourist visas but go on to operate small businesses, such as vehicle repair workshops, air-conditioning services, small companies and coffee shops,” he said at the Communications Ministry’s monthly assembly here today.
Also present were Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar and Communications Ministry secretary-general Datuk Abdul Halim Hamzah.
Anwar claimed that some foreigners were operating businesses using licences and permits registered under locals’ names, while others were legally registering companies but sourcing goods and workers from their countries of origin, affecting the interests of local communities.
In response, he directed the relevant ministries and enforcement agencies to take firm and comprehensive action against illegal business activities involving foreigners.
He said the proposed measures should be implemented immediately through coordinated efforts involving all relevant agencies, including the Inland Revenue Board (IRB), Royal Malaysian Customs Department, Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN), local authorities, Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM).
According to Anwar, BNM and MCMC should scrutinise e-commerce platforms and financial transactions, including possible elements of money laundering, while KPDN and local authorities should assess the compliance of businesses involved.
“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.
Apart from enforcement efforts, Anwar called for stronger cooperation with chambers of commerce as well as hawker and trader associations to address the growing presence of illegal businesses operated by foreigners.
“I am emphasising this because there is widespread concern across the country. Effective action cannot rely solely on isolated enforcement measures; it requires a coordinated approach involving all relevant agencies,” he said.
