Locals prefer the easy way out due to cost factors

Foreign atmosphere: A file photo of businesses run by foreigners in Jalan Silang, Kuala Lumpur. The area was raided by authorities recently.

PETALING JAYA: The high cost of doing business and less attractive salary packages for locals are among the reasons Malaysian traders turn to the “Ali Baba” way by sub-letting their businesses to foreigners, say business chambers.

Malay Economic Action Council’s (MTEM) Ahmad Yazid Othman said the Ali Baba culture that initially involved rent-seeking only among local communities for projects had evolved to a plague benefitting foreigners.