KUALA LUMPUR: More than 3,000 enforcement operations have been carried out against the involvement of foreign nationals at business premises operated by local councils, says Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming.
Since 2023, Nga said, 14,384 compound notices had been issued, 23 licences cancelled and 2,880 premises seized for various offences.
This includes the illegal transfer of licences and permits to foreign nationals, he said in the Dewan Rakyat on Monday (July 28).
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“We are always open to cooperating with other agencies to tackle this issue. Local authorities’ jurisdiction is limited only to inspecting a premises’ licence.
“A consolidated approach together with the Immigration Department and police is very welcome,” he said during Question Time.
He also said local councils have never permitted foreign nationals to apply for or own trading licences, involving small trader licences, business premises, sundry shops, restaurants, workshops and markets.
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This was per existing by-laws, he added.
Mohd Hasnizan Harun (PN-Hulu Selangor) had asked about the ministry’s efforts in tackling the issue of foreign nationals running businesses, especially sundry shops.
He also asked about steps taken against businesses registered under Malaysians but fully run by foreign nationals.
Nga urged MPs with evidence of foreign nationals running businesses to provide him with the details.
