Pahang DPMM Proposes Committee To Curb Illegal Businesses Run By Foreigners

KUANTAN, June 9 (Bernama) -- The Pahang branch of the Malay Chamber of Commerce Malaysia (DPMM) has proposed the establishment of Local Economic Monitoring Committees at the state and district levels to address the issue of foreigners operating businesses illegally.

Its president Yusri Yusof said the proposal is in line with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's call for chambers of commerce and hawkers' associations to work together in tackling the proliferation of illegal businesses run by foreigners.

“The committee would create a mechanism for information-sharing between chambers of commerce, local authorities (PBTs) and enforcement agencies, while providing a faster and more credible centralised complaints channel,” he told Bernama today.

Yusri said the committee would monitor local economic developments, identify challenges faced by entrepreneurs and the business community, and recommend improvements to the relevant authorities.

He described the issue as serious and requiring continuous enforcement, warning that illegal business activities could undermine the sustainability of local micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

Citing Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) data, he said Pahang has about 41,698 MSMEs, contributing RM14.7 billion in value added and serving as one of the state's economic pillars.

“In 2024, Pahang's economy grew by 5.7 per cent, exceeding the national growth rate of 5.1 per cent, with Gross Domestic Product (GDP) reaching RM68.7 billion.

“The services sector, wholesale and retail trade, and food and beverage activities were among the main contributors to that growth. Any business activity conducted illegally could disrupt a healthy business ecosystem and erode the competitiveness of local MSMEs,” he said.

Yusri said Pahang DPMM has received complaints from members over what they view as unfair competition from businesses believed to be operating without complying with licensing requirements, work permit conditions and other government regulations.

If left unchecked, he said the issue could reduce business opportunities for local entrepreneurs, lead to economic leakages and weaken efforts to develop the country's entrepreneurial sector.

Meanwhile, the Kuantan City Council (MBK) said it has never issued business licences to foreigners, adding that work permits are under the jurisdiction of the Immigration Department.

Yesterday, the Prime Minister voiced concern over the growing number of foreigners allegedly misusing tourist and student visas to conduct business activities in Malaysia.

-- BERNAMA