Government Sets Up Special Task Force to Curb Abuse of Social Visit Passes
PUTRAJAYA: The government has agreed to establish a special task force to address the misuse of social visit passes by foreign nationals and the growing problem of certain goods being dumped in the local market.
Unity Government spokesperson Fahmi Fadzil said the move was initiated following instructions from Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to strengthen enforcement coordination across ministries and agencies.
According to Fahmi, the task force will be coordinated by the Kementerian Kewangan Malaysia and will involve several key ministries and regulatory bodies.
“These include the Kementerian Pelaburan, Perdagangan dan Industri Malaysia, Kementerian Perumahan dan Kerajaan Tempatan Malaysia, Kementerian Dalam Negeri Malaysia, Kementerian Pembangunan Usahawan dan Koperasi Malaysia, Kementerian Perdagangan Dalam Negeri dan Kos Sara Hidup Malaysia, and the Suruhanjaya Syarikat Malaysia,” he said.
He was speaking to reporters after the Cabinet meeting today.
Crackdown on Illegal Employment
Fahmi said the task force will focus on strengthening legal and enforcement measures against foreigners who abuse social visit passes for unauthorised employment.
He noted that such practices affect job opportunities for locals and disrupt fair competition in the business sector.
“The government takes this issue seriously as it has economic and social implications. Firm action will be taken,” he said.
The task force will also monitor the importation and sale of certain goods suspected of being distributed without proper authorisation.
“Appropriate legal action will be taken against any parties involved in illegal activities,” he added.
Road Safety Remains a Concern
In a separate development, Fahmi said the Cabinet also discussed road safety, particularly involving young road users.
He revealed that nearly 4,000 road fatalities were recorded in 2024, most of them involving motorcyclists.
He said the Kementerian Pengangkutan Malaysia will implement follow-up measures, including stricter enforcement and enhanced awareness programmes.
Fahmi stressed that the government remains committed to safeguarding public safety through coordinated efforts among enforcement agencies and relevant ministries.
-wilayah.com.my
