The government of Malaysia has taken a tough stand against foreigners running businesses illegally using local business licences, and against various forms of visa abuse. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s recent directive has started a new discussion among the country’s business community and expatriate community. Analysts say that, although there have long been allegations of foreigners running businesses under licences taken in locals’ names, forming proxy companies and conducting commercial activity in breach of visa conditions, the government is now treating the matter with national-level seriousness.
At a recent cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim gave a clear directive that whoever is involved — local or foreign — in abusing business licences, visas or business privileges must face strict legal action. Government spokesperson and Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil told journalists there would be no leniency for running a business in breach of the law, abusing licences or breaching visa conditions, and that action would be taken even against local citizens if necessary. Many see his remarks as a “zero tolerance” message from the government.
A long-discussed issue in Malaysia is “Ali Baba” business — meaning, locally, that a Malaysian citizen uses their business licence or company registration to let foreigners run a business. On paper the owner is a local, but in reality foreigners run it. According to Malaysia’s immigration department, there have been cases of people entering on student, social-visit, dependent or other visas and engaging in business or jobs without permission. Local businesspeople have long complained that, in some cases, foreigners running businesses in locals’ names are gaining market influence, with tax payment, labour rules and licensing rules not properly followed.
বাংলায় মূল প্রতিবেদন পড়ুন · Read the original Bengali report