Malaysia recorded 3.45 million visitors from China up to September 30, with 871 individuals detained for various immigration offenses. Among them, 418 tourists were arrested for misusing the Social Visit Pass (PLS) to work or conduct business.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the figures show that the misuse rate remains very low, at just 0.013 percent of all Chinese visitors to Malaysia during the period.
The minister stressed that the government takes seriously the issue of foreigners entering Malaysia on a Social Visit Pass but then working or engaging in business illegally, which is an offense under Regulation 11(7)(a) of the Immigration Regulations 1963.
In 2024, Malaysia recorded 3.95 million arrivals from China, with only 1,009 Chinese nationals arrested for various immigration violations. Of that number, 309 were detained for misusing the PLS to work or run businesses, equivalent to 0.008 percent of total arrivals.
Saifuddin made the remarks in response to a question from Ching Chueng Jen (PH-Stampin) regarding the steps taken by the government to control Chinese nationals working or doing business on social visits, which have affected local traders and contractors.
To address the issue, the Malaysian Immigration Department (JIM) conducts regular and targeted enforcement across the country, focusing on 224 hotspot areas popular among foreign workers. Measures include Ops Belanja, Ops Jaja, and Ops Selera, targeting employers who hire or protect undocumented migrants (PATI), along with joint operations with other enforcement agencies.
JIM officers are also deployed for continuous monitoring, inspections, and enforcement at wholesale markets, business centers, educational institutions, and residential areas known to employ foreign workers illegally.
The minister emphasized that the government remains committed to addressing the issue effectively to uphold the law and protect the economic interests of local citizens. Enforcement will continue with a zero-tolerance approach toward foreigners violating entry conditions and locals who collude with them.
