MBIP issues stop-business order against Network School operator for operating without valid licence in Forest City.
PETALING JAYA: The Iskandar Puteri City Council (MBIP) has issued a stop-business notice against Network School’s operator after one of its premises in Forest City was found to be operating without a valid business licence.
In a statement today, MBIP said the enforcement action against NSO Malaysia Sdn Bhd (Network School) would take effect on July 22 following inspections and monitoring conducted on July 12, 14, 19 and 20.
The council said the action was taken after the company was found to have failed to comply with licensing requirements and premises usage conditions under the local authority’s jurisdiction.
“For the premises at P-01-11, Teluk Bintang, Jalan Forest City 5, Pulau Satu, Forest City, MBIP issued a stop-business notice under By-Law 3(1) of the MBIP Trade, Business and Industrial Licensing By-Laws 2018 after finding that it was operating without a business licence,” it said.
MBIP also said it would revoke the business and advertisement licences for another premises at P-01-12, Teluk Bintang, Jalan Forest City 5, after finding that the operator had been conducting activities that differed from its approved use as a business office.
The council added that it had issued a notice requiring compliance with advertisement licence conditions after finding that the signage displayed at the premises did not match the approved application.
“MBIP stresses that all business activities within the council’s administrative area must always comply with the applicable laws and licensing conditions to safeguard public interest, order and the integrity of the local administration system.
“The council will not compromise and will take prosecution action if the company continues to carry out activities that contravene the law,” it said.
Meanwhile, Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said the state government supported MBIP’s decision to revoke NSO Malaysia Sdn Bhd’s business licence at Forest City after reviewing inspection reports, enforcement findings and the company’s representations in accordance with the law.
“The enforcement action could only be taken after complaints and information had been verified, inspections conducted, non-compliance identified and the legal process completed,” he said in a statement.
Onn Hafiz said the length of time a premises had been operating did not mean that all activities carried out there complied with licensing requirements, stressing that action must be taken once violations were discovered.
“When non-compliance is identified, action must be taken without compromise. The state government will continue to strengthen coordination between agencies so that any non-compliance can be detected and addressed immediately,” he said.
He added that Johor remained open to quality investments that contributed to the economy and created job opportunities, but stressed that no investor, company or organisation was above the law.
“The matter should not be taken lightly, given the state’s strategic position as Malaysia’s gateway and its border with Singapore. Any weaknesses or misuse of the immigration system must be addressed swiftly, firmly and without compromise,” he said.
Onn Hafiz also urged the Digital Ministry and the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) to take appropriate action regarding the organisation’s Malaysia Digital status or any recognition granted if it was found to have breached the required conditions or principles.
“The state government also urges all relevant agencies to strengthen the due diligence process, including background checks, ownership, sources of funding, operational structures and the narratives promoted by any company or organisation.
“Coordination between agencies must also be strengthened to ensure every international investment or initiative is thoroughly assessed in terms of licensing, immigration, security, premises usage and compliance with the law.”
He added that Johor would continue working with all parties to ensure the state remained a trusted investment destination while safeguarding national security, sovereignty and the rule of law.
Onn Hafiz also said that all matters related to the issue had been presented to, and received the consent of, His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and the Johor Regent, Tunku Mahkota Ismail.
