Home Ministry Launches Special Operation Against Foreigners Running Illegal Businesses

PUTRAJAYA, June 8 -- The Home Ministry(KDN), through its enforcement agencies, is mobilising a special operation to crack down on illegal business activities carried out by foreigners who misuse social visit passes in the country. Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the move follows instructions from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who had raised concerns over the issue following numerous public complaints. He said agencies under the ministry, including the Immigration Department and the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), would intensify enforcement efforts to curb such activities. “The Prime Minister himself has received complaints on this matter. As such, the relevant agencies have been instructed to strengthen enforcement actions. Of course, we will investigate offences under the Immigration Act,” he told reporters after the ministry’s monthly assembly here today. Earlier, the prime minister, in his speech at the Communications Ministry’s monthly assembly, 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), the Royal Malaysian Customs Department, the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN), local authorities (PBT), the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), and Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM According to Saifuddin, the Home Ministry possesses the necessary expertise and intelligence capabilities to track foreigners involved in illegal business operations. “We have identified hotspots and mapped locations where foreigners are known to be violating the Immigration Act, whether by entering the country without valid documents, overstaying, or misusing their passes,” he said. According to him, many complaints from local traders stem from unfair competition created by foreigners operating businesses without complying with the same regulations and tax obligations. “They enter the country using social visit passes and then engage in business activities. The complaints from locals are mainly about unfair competition. “While local businesses pay taxes and comply with regulations, these individuals often do not, allowing them to offer services at significantly lower prices. Some operate as interior decorators, while others take furniture orders and conduct other commercial activities,” he said. Saifuddin Nasution added that the ministry has extensive experience in dealing with cases involving the misuse of social passes, particularly in Sabah. “As an example, through the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM), we have taken action against resorts on Sabah’s east coast believed to be operated by foreigners who entered the country on passes that did not permit business activities. “We have conducted multi-agency operations in the area, led by ESSCOM, and enforcement actions have been carried out on three occasions over the past year,” he said. -- BERNAMA

PUTRAJAYA, June 8 — The Home Ministry(KDN), through its enforcement agencies, is mobilising a special operation to crack down on illegal business activities carried out by foreigners who misuse social visit passes in the country. Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the move follows instructions from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who […]

KUSKOP, CGC Strengthen MSME Access To Financing – Steven Sim

KUALA LUMPUR, May 27 -- The Ministry of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development (KUSKOP) has welcomed the role of Credit Guarantee Corporation Malaysia Bhd (CGC) in helping micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) gain access to financing through guarantee schemes, financial advisory services and financing facilitation initiatives. Its Minister Steven Sim said the efforts were crucial in helping underserved MSMEs obtain financing and working capital amid rising operating costs and geopolitical uncertainties linked to conflicts in West Asia. “Many MSMEs, particularly micro and small enterprises, still face difficulties obtaining financing due to limited credit history and high borrowing costs,” he said in a statement today after chairing a meeting with CGC on efforts to strengthen financing and capital access for MSMEs in Malaysia. During the meeting, CGC briefed KUSKOP on ongoing initiatives, including credit guarantee schemes, financing facilities, digital marketing training, youth entrepreneur development programmes and MSME networking sessions nationwide. Sim also called on agencies under KUSKOP, particularly SME Corp Malaysia, to strengthen cooperation with CGC and enhance outreach on financing assistance through platforms such as the MyKNP financing advisory service and the imSME online financing referral platform, supported by CGC and Bank Negara Malaysia. He said KUSKOP remained committed to working closely with financial institutions, development financial institutions and ecosystem partners to improve financing access, strengthen MSME resilience and advance the ‘Empowering Malaysian Businesses’ agenda. -- BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR, May 27 — The Ministry of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development (KUSKOP) has welcomed the role of Credit Guarantee Corporation Malaysia Bhd (CGC) in helping micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) gain access to financing through guarantee schemes, financial advisory services and financing facilitation initiatives. Its Minister Steven Sim said the efforts were crucial […]

YB Gobind Singh Deo Engages MICCI On E-Commerce Bill, Digital Economy Policies

KUALA LUMPUR, May 25 — Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo said the Malaysian International Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MICCI) continues to play an important role in facilitating and supporting businesses as they expand and grow in Malaysia. Gobind said his introductory meeting with MICCI’s E-Commerce Chapter provided a valuable exchange of views on industry developments and key policy matters involving the digital economy sector. Among the issues discussed were the upcoming e-commerce bill and proposed amendments to the Postal Services Act, including matters related to e-delivery services. The meeting also touched on concerns regarding algorithm transparency and protection of data, which Gobind said require careful and balanced consideration as Malaysia strengthens its digital economy framework. He stressed that the ministry remains committed to working closely with industry players to ensure that policies introduced are practical, future-ready and capable of supporting Malaysia’s long-term economic growth. Gobind added that collaboration between the government and industry stakeholders is essential in building a competitive and sustainable digital ecosystem for the country. -- MINUTESMY -- SOURCE: FB GOBIND SINGH DEO

KUALA LUMPUR, May 25 — Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo said the Malaysian International Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MICCI) continues to play an important role in facilitating and supporting businesses as they expand and grow in Malaysia. Gobind said his introductory meeting with MICCI’s E-Commerce Chapter provided a valuable exchange of views on industry […]

YB Gobind Singh Deo Highlights AI’s Role In Empowering SMEs And Women Entrepreneurs

KUALA LUMPUR, May 23 — Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo held a meeting with the Malaysia-China Chamber of Commerce (MCCC) to discuss efforts to strengthen cooperation in trade, investment and digital transformation between Malaysia and China. Gobind said MCCC continues to play an important role in fostering interaction, collaboration and commercial development between the two countries while safeguarding the interests of its members. During the discussion, both parties exchanged views on how artificial intelligence (AI) can help small and medium enterprises (SMEs) improve productivity, innovation and competitiveness. The meeting also focused on practical AI support for women-led businesses, as well as government initiatives and policy directions related to AI adoption and digital transformation. Gobind stressed the importance of strengthening public-private collaboration to ensure businesses are better prepared to embrace emerging technologies and future economic opportunities. He added that discussions also explored potential future collaborations aimed at supporting more inclusive growth, particularly for women entrepreneurs participating in Malaysia’s digital economy. Gobind expressed optimism that stronger partnerships between stakeholders would help empower more businesses, especially women-led enterprises, to grow and thrive in an AI-driven future. -- MINUTESMY -- SOURCE: FB: GOBIND SINGH DEO

KUALA LUMPUR, May 23 — Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo held a meeting with the Malaysia-China Chamber of Commerce (MCCC) to discuss efforts to strengthen cooperation in trade, investment and digital transformation between Malaysia and China. Gobind said MCCC continues to play an important role in fostering interaction, collaboration and commercial development between the two […]