Johor enforcement actions surge with RM180,000 in compounds issued against unlicensed foreign-run businesses, including seizures and temporary closures.
ISKANDAR PUTERI: Johor has intensified enforcement against unlicensed foreign-run businesses, with compounds issued surging to RM180,000 this year.
The figure marks a sharp increase from the RM30,000 recorded in 2024.
State Housing and Local Government Committee chairman Datuk Mohd Jafni Md Shukor revealed the data at the Johor state assembly sitting.
From December 2024 to October 2025, authorities recorded 158 offence notices, 304 compounds, and 552 seizures.
Premises were also temporarily closed to prevent repeat offences.
“This enforcement performance shows that efforts to curb unlicensed foreign business activities will be carried out more firmly, aggressively and comprehensively throughout 2025,” he said.
Mohd Jafni was replying to an oral question from Tan Eng Meng (BN-Pekan Nanas) regarding actions against illegally operated foreign businesses.
Enforcement measures include licence inspections, raids, seizure of goods, and licence cancellations.
Actions also involve the closure of premises and licence confiscations based on the violation’s level and risk.
Inspections found most premises were locally owned but managed by foreigners.
This practice was particularly prevalent in the retail, convenience store, and car wash sectors.
“Firm action has been taken to curb such licence abuse,” Mohd Jafni stated.
Pasir Gudang City Council has introduced stricter policies, including a ban on hiring foreign workers in retail.
It also refuses licence approvals for applicants employing foreigners without valid documents.
Other local authorities have taken comprehensive action through compounds, seizures, and large-scale integrated operations.
The Iskandar Puteri City Council, Muar Municipal Council, Batu Pahat Municipal Council, and Tangkak District Council are involved.
These actions ensure business ownership and operations comply with regulations.
The enforcement approach follows the Licensing By-Laws, Local Government Act (Act 171), and immigration regulations.
It is supported by scheduled monitoring and notifications to premises owners.
This aims to prevent illegal licence transfers or misuse of premises by foreigners. – Bernama
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