Don’t penalise legitimate marriages

FAMILY Frontiers notes with grave concern the reports on sham marriages entered into just to open businesses (“Marriage loophole raises licensing concerns in Selangor”, The Star, June 23; online at tinyurl.com/bdee8kx8).

We strongly emphasise that we do not condone sham marriages, which are fraudulent arrangements that often underpin syndicate activities and exploit vulnerable Malaysian citizens.

However, it is critical to recognise that many non-Malaysian spouses pursue the business option primarily because they face significant barriers to legal employment. Accordingly, the government must ensure that enforcement actions aimed at curbing sham marriages do not inadvertently penalise or disrupt legitimate Malaysian binational families.

Currently, the prohibition of employment that is explicitly stated on the long-term social visit pass (LTSVP) issued to foreign spouses creates significant, arbitrary barriers to legal employment for genuine non-citizen spouses because employers are reluctant to employ them. Left with no viable way to enter the job market, starting a business often becomes the only way to sustain their Malaysian families.

It is vital to distinguish between fraudulent “license-renting” schemes and authentic entrepreneurship. Genuine non-citizen spouses engaging in micro-businesses are striving to build legitimate livelihoods that contribute positively to the local economy.

The statement of prohibition from employment on the LTSVP visa places immense financial strain on the entire household. This structural restriction unfairly forces many binational families to depend on a single breadwinner.

Family Frontiers calls upon the Home Ministry to:

> Immediately remove the statement of prohibition of employment on the LTSVP for genuine non-citizen spouses, granting them the ability to work to support their Malaysian families.

> Ensure that all measures taken to combat business-related sham marriages are strictly targeted at syndicates, ensuring they do not infringe upon the privacy, family life, or well-being of legitimate Malaysian binational families.

Family Frontiers stands ready to meet with relevant ministry officials, including Selangor state and local authorities, policymakers, and enforcement agencies to provide insights, share data, and collaborate on constructive solutions.

FAMILY FRONTIERS

(Association of Family Support & Welfare Selangor & KL)