ISKANDAR PUTERI: A directive has been issued to the state’s 16 local councils to increase enforcement against businesses run by foreigners.
State housing and local government committee chairman Datuk Mohd Jafni Md Shukor (pic) said local councils in Johor had never issued business licences to foreigners.
“Foreigners are barred from opening businesses in Johor. But we found they have been running stalls, sundry shops and even car wash outlets.
“They will use locals, including their Malaysian spouses as a front to apply for business licence from local councils,” he told reporters after handing over aid, courtesy of SWM Environment Sdn Bhd at Kota Iskandar yesterday.
Mohd Jafni said the issue of foreigners operating businesses was raised during a meeting with Housing and Local Government Ministry recently.
He said a directive has been issued to local councils to set up a special task force to address the matter.
“The task force will visit premises and check who operates the business,” he added.
Mohd Jafni warned locals who allow their names to be used by foreigners to operate businesses that action would be taken against them, including being blacklisted.
