BUKIT MERTAJAM: The Housing and Local Government Ministry has never issued licences to illegal immigrants to run any businesses in the country, such as opening stalls or shops and that legal action is always taken against them.
Its minister Nga Kor Ming said the government is always consistent in defending the safety and wellbeing of the local community.
"The government has always been consistent on this issue because we always defend the safety and wellbeing of the local community. The ministry, through the local authorities, has never issued licence to illegal immigrants to open any businesses.
"Legal actions are being taken and are being carried out together with the local authorities.
"Last year, we carried out 1,539 enforcement operations against business premises involving foreigners and a total of 26,108 traders' licences were cancelled due to violation of licence conditions or premises (by foreigners)," he told newsmen here today.
He was met after the prize giving ceremony of the Malaysian Institute of Architects (PAM)-Seberang Prai City Council (MBSP) architectural design ideas for the Bukit Mertajam market.
He said this when commenting on the mushrooming of stalls by foreigners which affected local traders in many locations across the country. The situation also caused annoyance among local residents.
Nga said the ministry was ever ready and would cooperate closely with other ministries as an effort to curb the spread of illegal business problems by foreigners.
"When we suspect that there are illegal immigrants misusing the premises or misusing the licence issued by the local authorities, then the licence will be cancelled immediately and strict action will also be taken," he added.
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