Kuala lumpur: Local authorities (PBTs) have issued a total of 14,834 compounds against business premises for offences, including the illegal transfer of licences and permits to foreigners, since 2023, said Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming. The authorities have also sealed 2,880 premises and revoked 23 business licences.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Nga emphasized that the Ministry and PBTs have never permitted foreign nationals to apply for or own hawker or small business licences, business premises, grocery stores, eateries, car workshops, or markets. Additionally, PBTs prohibit hiring foreigners as workers under hawker licences, as the MADANI Government is committed to providing business opportunities for Malaysians and ensuring the sustainability of the local traders’ economy.

Nga was responding to a query from Mohd Hasnizan Harun (PN-Hulu Selangor) on the operation of businesses by foreigners in Malaysia, especially within the retail sector, during the oral question-and-answer session in the Dewan Rakyat. He noted that existing policies and regulations, like the Hawkers By-Laws and the Licensing of Trades, Businesses and Industries By-Laws, clearly state that only Malaysian citizens can apply for business licences. Foreign nationals can only be employed if they possess a valid work pass or trade permit.

Nga highlighted that PBTs conduct continuous enforcement and monitoring operations, including regular inspections of business premises and hawkers, particularly in areas with high concentrations of foreign nationals, and confiscate goods from foreign hawkers. He also mentioned that local authorities would revoke licences from those found misusing their permits and stressed that the conditions for new applications and business licences have been tightened, based on each state’s jurisdiction, to curb the operations of foreign-owned businesses.

In response to a supplementary question from Mohd Hasnizan regarding the use of Malaysian spouses as proxies to open businesses, Nga urged Malaysians to act responsibly and uphold the principles of the Rukun Negara. He encouraged anyone with solid evidence to forward it to the ministry for immediate action.