GEORGE TOWN: Penang's two city councils received nearly 2,500 complaints over activities involving foreigners between 2023 and September.
Deputy Chief Minister II Jagdeep Singh Deo said the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) received 340 complaints while the Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) recorded 2,149, bringing the total to 2,489.
He said MBPP received 100 complaints in 2023, 47 in 2024, 116 last year and 77 from January to September this year.
For MBSP, the corresponding figures were 546 (2023), 652 (2024), 530 last year and 421 up to this September.
Jagdeep said both councils were reviewing the effectiveness of existing regulations, particularly in addressing the misuse of business licences and the handing over of business operations to other parties.
The findings would determine whether the regulations needed to be revised, he told Izhar Shah Arif Shah (PN-Seberang Jaya) during the Penang state assembly sitting on Tuesday (Nov 3).
Izhar Shah had asked about action taken against activities involving foreigners, undocumented migrants and refugees, including enforcement against businesses and premises that violated regulations.
Jagdeep said both councils conducted inspections to ensure businesses held valid licences and complied with licensing conditions.
Enforcement action against violations could include notices, compounds, seizures, prosecution, or licence revocation.
He said the state government worked with federal agencies, including the Immigration Department, police and Labour Department, to address issues involving foreigners.
The Labour Department inspected workplaces and workers' accommodation to ensure compliance with labour laws, including wage payments, employment conditions and minimum housing standards, he added.
It paid particular attention to possible labour exploitation, including unpaid wages, unsafe working conditions and forced labour.
Jagdeep said the councils coordinated enforcement operations and shared information with federal agencies, including the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry and Companies Commission of Malaysia.
He said guidelines on the involvement of foreign workers and assistants at hawker centres, business premises and stalls provided for limits on the employment of foreigners.
Licensing conditions would be based on the criteria set out in the relevant guidelines.
