SHAH ALAM, June 23 — Selangor is continuing to work with the Immigration Department to address issues involving business licences linked to foreign nationals operating in the state’s industrial and commercial areas.
Local government executive councillor Dato’ Ng Suee Lim said the move follows an increase in cases involving questionable marriages between foreign nationals and local women, which are believed to be used to exploit loopholes in business licensing regulations.
According to Ng, such cases have been identified in Sungai Rasau and Section 15, Shah Alam, which are among the state’s key commercial and business activity centres, The Star reported.
“During enforcement operations, the individuals involved often claim that they are merely helping their spouses manage the business.
“We face a dilemma in taking action because the licences are legally valid and registered under the names of Malaysian citizens,” he was quoted as saying by the news portal.
He explained that local authorities have limited powers to revoke such licences unless there is evidence of breaches of licensing conditions or other offences under the law.
Previously, Selangor was reported to be considering amendments to laws governing the issuance of business licences to local residents, particularly those married to foreign nationals, to prevent permits from being misused.
The state government has faced challenges in taking action against such cases, especially when business licences are legally registered under the names of Malaysian spouses.
