JOHOR BARU: A multi-agency task force will be set up by the Johor government to strengthen and protect local small and medium enterprises (SMEs), says Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi.
The Mentri Besar said the decision came amid concerns about tourists abusing their social visit passes to take up jobs and do business in the state, which are squeezing opportunities for local businesses.
"This is needed as Johor continues to attract strong foreign direct investment. We know that when investors come, the economy grows and many young people get job opportunities but it also comes with challenges.
"There are SMEs who are worried about whether they can compete," he said, adding that there was little point in drawing high levels of investment if locals did not benefit.
Onn Hafiz was speaking at a Chinese New Year dinner with about 1,400 members of the Chinese community at Southern University College on Friday (Feb 13).
He added that while the state welcomes foreign investments, efforts must be made to "protect our people."
He said the state has proposed that investment, trade, consumer affairs and human resources committee chairman Lee Ting Han, health and environment committee chairman Ling Tian Soon and local government and housing ministry committee chairman Datuk Mohd Jafni Md Shukor lead the task force.
The task force would involve the Finance Ministry, local authorities and the Immigration Department to ensure coordinated enforcement, added Onn Hafiz.
"There are those who come to Malaysia and Johor as tourists but abuse their social visit passes. Stern action will also be taken against those who abuse their social visit passes," he said.
The move comes as federal data shows that 54,791 foreign nationals were subjected to enforcement action for visa-related offences between 2025 and early 2026.
Onn Hafiz also said major developments in the pipeline including the Rapid Transit System Link, which is expected to be completed next year, and the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone blueprint and master plan to be finalised within two to three months would spur further growth.
"What we are seeing today is only the beginning. There will be much more progress for Johor," he said, urging unity among the people in developing the state.
He added that the state administration remained "colour-blind" in its policies and he would continue being unapologetic in helping people of all races with important matters such as education, welfare and the economy.
During the event, Onn Hafiz also presented a state government allocation of RM1mil to Southern University College board chairman Datuk Vincent Tan Meng Seng.
The event was attended by Chinese community leaders and groups from five districts - Johor Baru, Kota Tinggi, Pontian, Kulai and Mersing - as well as MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong, Deputy Finance Minister Liew Chin Tong and Johor’s Mejar Cina Datuk David Wong Khong Soon.
