Ng: Local authorities face challenges detaining foreign nationals.
STRONGER joint operations to catch businesses run illegally by foreigners will be conducted in the next few months.
Selangor local government and tourism committee chairman Datuk Ng Suee Lim said the joint operations would include the Immigration Department, as local authorities did not have the right to detain or arrest foreigners with or without an entry permit.
He said this in reply to Syed Ahmad Syed Abdul Rahman Alhadad (PH-Lembah Jaya) who asked about the state’s efforts in view of the influx of foreign workers and culprits using loopholes in the system to get away from the authorities.
Syed Ahmad said illegal foreign businesses affected local businesses as the foreign traders undercut prices and negatively impacted local traders in areas such as Kampung Tasik.
Speaking during the Selangor State Assembly sitting at Bangunan Dewan Negeri Selangor in Shah Alam, Ng said there were cases of foreign nationals who used some tactics to bypass regulations.
“They use other means, often through local intermediaries, and sometimes even marry locals to use their names to apply for a business licence.
“This is a common occurrence, not just in the Klang Valley but also in other states.
“Authorities are actively monitoring the situation, and we are planning an integrated operation over the next few months to address this issue,” he said, adding that these individuals also sold items at lower prices.
Ng said local authorities had long faced challenges in detaining or arresting foreign nationals.
“Under current state laws, foreign nationals are permitted to register businesses and own companies in Malaysia.
“However, there are stringent regulations outlined by the Federal Government and local authorities.
“Foreign nationals are prohibited from operating as street vendors or running small businesses in public spaces such as night markets and streets.
“This restriction is aimed at ensuring the protection of local businesses and preventing foreign nationals from undermining the local economy by engaging in unregulated business practices,” he said.
Ng said the authorities would ramp up enforcement efforts in the coming months, with planned operations to ensure businesses complied with the new regulations.
“This includes periodic inspections and investigations into potential abuses, ensuring that Malaysia’s retail sector remains fair and legally compliant.
“The initiative is being welcomed by local business owners, who have expressed concerns about the impact of unlicensed foreign businesses operating in their communities.
“Many hope these new measures will level the playing field and allow Malaysians to compete fairly in the market,” he said.
The Selangor legislative assembly was adjourned sine die.
