A call for compassion and clarity on binational families

THE recent comments by the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living deputy minister regarding non-citizens’ business activities are deeply concerning (“Protec-ting local businesses”, The Star, Sept 12; online at bit.ly/3K2XubY).

Rather than addressing the real economic challenges facing local traders, these remarks unfairly target Malaysian binational families. Such statements not only fuel xenophobia but also inflict unnecessary stress on families who are already navigating complex issues.

The true competition for small Malaysian businesses isn’t a foreign-owned shop next door; it is large-scale discounters, many of whom are foreign corporations that send their profits abroad. That is the market reality on the ground.

Non-citizens with local spouses, on the other hand, are earning for their Malaysian families. If we make it harder for these families to earn a living, who will be responsible for the well-being of the Malaysian spouses and children who depend on them?

Non-citizen spouses in Malaysia already face significant challenges, often feeling marginalised and dealing with precarious immigration statuses that lead to systemic discrimination in employment, education, and healthcare. The government’s decision to group them with the general category of “foreigners” and deny them essential subsidies adds to this burden. Justifying this exclusion by labelling them as “non-tax paying residents” overlooks the reality of their contributions to our society and economy.

Ultimately, the ministry should be looking out for the consumer, ensuring that living costs stay manageable.

Healthy competition from small foreign traders is not the real threat; big companies eating smaller ones is. Blaming Malaysian binational families, whose marriages are a genuine part of our diverse society, is not a productive way to address the economic issues we face.

SALSABIL GUL

Kuala Lumpur