Kuala lumpur: Some foreign tourists have been detected misusing Social Visit Passes (PLS) to open businesses in Malaysia by using local partners, in addition to working illegally, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said. He highlighted that the ministry had identified several industries involved, including tourism, interior design, furniture, and restaurants, a concern discussed multiple times in Cabinet meetings.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Saifuddin Nasution emphasized that even if these foreigners acted as financiers, they must apply for the appropriate pass to conduct business. Entering the country as tourists but engaging in business activities violates the law, and enforcement action will be taken, he stated during a press conference following the Home Ministry's monthly assembly.
Saifuddin Nasution pointed out that such activities were notably prevalent in the tourism sector, especially in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSCOM), including islands around Semporna. Joint operations with ESSCOM revealed up to 81 chalet units being run by foreigners who initially entered the country using local partners before assuming control of operations. This situation adversely affects local entrepreneurs who adhere to legal regulations.
The Home Minister urged local authorities to remain vigilant to developments in their respective areas, noting that projects like chalets are not constructed overnight. He stressed that investigations would explore all possible angles, including potential involvement of tourism agents, to identify the real culprits.
In addition to tourism, Saifuddin Nasution disclosed that the Home Ministry had detected foreign involvement in the interior design, restaurant, and furniture industries. Enforcement operations by agencies under the ministry focus on foreigners who breach their pass conditions, as PLS holders are prohibited from working or conducting business.
Saifuddin Nasution outlined that several laws, including the Immigration Act, are enforced to address those who enter the country through unofficial routes, misuse their passes, or overstay. From 2025 until mid-January this year, a total of 54,791 foreigners faced enforcement action for misusing social visit passes to work in Malaysia.
He affirmed the ministry's commitment to strengthening enforcement measures to curb PLS misuse, aligning with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's call for serious attention to issues involving visit pass abuse. On January 30, Communications Minister and MADANI Government spokesperson Datuk Fahmi Fadzil stated that the Prime Minister demanded firm enforcement action against foreigners misusing social visit passes or visa relaxations to work in Malaysia.