PUTRAJAYA: The authorities will take firm action against the misuse of social visit passes by foreigners, following a directive from the Prime Minister to intensify enforcement against immigration-related offences.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the ministry has identified several cases involving abuse of social visit passes and will continue enforcement operations through its relevant enforcement agencies.
"The operations will focus on foreigners who enter the country using social visit passes (which prohibit employment or business activities), but subsequently breach the conditions of their stay.
"Among the offences detected are illegal entry, misuse of passes, overstaying," he told reporters after attending the ministry's monthly assembly on Thursday (Feb 12).
Saifuddin Nasution revealed that some foreign nationals have been found conducting business activities by partnering with local individuals and operating under locally registered licences, despite not holding valid business passes.
He cited an example where authorities discovered 81 chalet units in Semporna and surrounding islands that were allegedly being operated illegally by foreign nationals in collaboration with local partners.
"Such activities have adversely affected local entrepreneurs who comply with existing laws and regulations," he said.
He stressed that local authorities must be more vigilant and take immediate action against the construction of illegal facilities.
"Enforcement efforts will also be expanded to include travel agents and companies suspected of abetting such activities, with investigations aimed at identifying masterminds and clients involved," he said.
At the same time, Saifuddin Nasution emphasised the importance of due process, noting that any party making allegations must substantiate their claims in accordance with the law.
