The Sabah government has been urged to immediately tighten entry requirements and strengthen enforcement measures to prevent abuse of Malaysia’s visa-free policy by foreigners allegedly operating illegal businesses in the state.
Warisan vice-president Junz Wong said Sabahans, particularly local business operators and service providers, were increasingly concerned over social media posts showing foreigners openly offering services such as plumbing and renovation at competitive rates.
Growing concerns among Sabahans
According to Wong, such cases were no longer isolated incidents and had become a growing concern among the public.
“Sabahans are increasingly alarmed that some foreigners are openly operating businesses and offering paid services while holding social visit passes,” he said, as quoted by Borneo Post today.
Wong claimed the situation had existed for some time but believed it had worsened following the implementation of the Malaysia-China visa-free travel policy in 2024.
The Tanjung Aru assemblyman called on the Sabah government, immigration department, local authorities and other enforcement agencies to reassess monitoring mechanisms and carry out stricter inspections.
He also urged authorities to take firm action against foreigners found operating businesses or working illegally in Sabah.
Call for stricter enforcement
Wong noted that home minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail had recently stated in Parliament that visa-free entry for Chinese nationals was strictly limited to tourism and social visits.
He said any form of employment or paid professional work required the appropriate visa and work permit.
“If the federal government itself recognises the risk of abuse and has tightened conditions, Sabah authorities must not remain complacent or lax in enforcement,” he said.
Public urged to remain vigilant
Wong also reminded Sabahans to remain cautious of possible scams involving foreign operators offering plumbing, renovation and technical services.
He noted that cases involving fraudulent contractors had previously surfaced in Peninsular Malaysia as well.
