JOHOR BARU: More than 50 foreigners have been slapped with compounds worth about RM1,000 each for operating stalls illegally here, says Johor Baru City Council (MBJB).
Its mayor Datuk Mohd Noorazam Osman said the council has also seized goods used by traders to operate their stalls in markets throughout the city.
"We have been taking proactive measures to address this issue, which seems to be getting worse. These include joint operations with the Immigration Department.
"As of April 18 this year, we have issued compounds and seized the goods of 53 foreigners who were running their businesses at 13 night markets under the MBJB area," he said.
He said this to reporters after the MBJB full council meeting here on Thursday (May 2) and added that the majority of the foreign traders are from Vietnam, Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Myanmar and some Arab countries.
"Most of the businesses they run are catered towards people from their home countries who are working here.
"In the operations with the Immigration Department, it was found that some of these traders are also illegal immigrants," he said, adding that the Immigration Department has taken action against such immigrants.
He also reminded market organisers to adhere to the conditions set under their permits, which includes not allowing foreigners to operate stalls at their markets.
"We will continue to monitor the situation and conduct operations from time to time.
"Stern action will also be taken against market organisers who allow foreigners to run their businesses.
"This includes issuing notices to suspend them from organising markets for two weeks," he said.
