900 unlicensed businesses, including markets, raided in Selangor

LOCAL authorities in Selangor raided about 900 unlicensed businesses and shut them down in the initial months of the movement control order (MCO).

The businesses, which included mini convenience stores and even wet markets selling poultry, were operated by foreigners.

The Immigration Department had accompanied the local councils’ Enforcement Department in some of the joint raids where a total of 70 foreigners were detained in Shah Alam and Sepang.

Selangor local government, public transport and new

village development committee chairman Ng Sze Han, in reply to a question from Azmizam Zaman Huri (PH-Port Klang) at the state assembly yesterday, said the local councils were acting on public complaints and conducted the raids.

“Immediate investigations at these premises showed that the foreigners were either operating without a valid trading licence or using another person’s name to deceive the local council.

“Our local councils seized items sold at the premises housed in shoplots or makeshift structures.

“Those premises were sealed with immediate effect in accordance with council by-laws and the Local Government Act 1976 (Act 171), ” he elaborated.

Ng said the premises that had been shut down would be monitored to ensure the illegal operators did not go back months later to restart the trade.

“The briefings from the respective local councils stated that the foreigners monopolised the business in certain areas, ” he added.

Mohd Fakhrulrazi Mohd Mokhtar (PH-Meru) asked if the local authorities could arrest foreigners during raids or those who were adamant on restarting the businesses despite continuous raids.

Ng replied that the local councils did not have the power to make arrests.

“Our local councils need concerted effort from all authorities to handle the problem of unlicensed businesses, many of which are run by foreigners.

“In some raids, the Immigration Department is called in to nab foreigners without valid documents, ” he added.