KUSKOP Pledges Crackdown On Social Visit Pass Abuse To Protect MSMEs

PUTRAJAYA, Jan 15 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development (KUSKOP) has pledged to ensure swift enforcement action against the abuse of social visit visas, through close collaboration with the Ministry of Home Affairs and other relevant agencies.

Its Minister, Steven Sim, affirmed that he will work closely with Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail to guarantee prompt follow-up measures.

"This action is crucial to safeguard our micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and local petty traders, as well as to maintain an orderly and competitive national entrepreneurial ecosystem," he said in a statement today.

Sim emphasised that while Malaysia welcomes tourists and investors, they must adhere to the country's laws and regulations without exception.

In response to a growing number of complaints from local businesses, he said the government would intensify enforcement, with stricter monitoring of foreigners who misuse social visit visas for unauthorised work or business.

Sim noted that he had raised the issue at yesterday's Cabinet meeting, following significant concerns raised by various stakeholders, particularly MSMEs and small traders impacted by these practices.

-- BERNAMA