SOME foreign nationals, particularly from South Asian countries, are reportedly engaging in fake or contract marriages with Malaysian women as a means to obtain permanent residency (PR) and enjoy local privileges, including the ability to operate businesses and apply for loans.
According to Malaysia’s Immigration Department, these individuals often have no genuine intention of building a family and allegedly divorce their spouses once their objectives are met — a case of “discarding the shell after enjoying the honey”, as the Malay proverb goes.
Director-General of Immigration, Datuk Zakaria Shaaban, confirmed the department is actively collaborating with relevant authorities to investigate suspected abuse of marital status for purposes such as illegal business operations or long-term residency without genuine domestic commitments.
“Our oversight is to ensure that the conditions under the Long-Term Social Visit Pass (PLS) are being met, including verifying the legitimacy of marriages registered with state Islamic religious authorities or the National Registration Department (JPN),” he told *Harian Metro*.
Zakaria clarified that if all the eligibility conditions for the PLS pass are satisfied, the Immigration Department has no jurisdiction to dispute the authenticity of a marriage validated by religious or civil authorities.
“Our role is to assess applications based on official supporting documents and process immigration-related matters in accordance with legal provisions,” he said.
However, should any elements of fraud or abuse be detected in the application process, he warned that “further actions — including investigations, cancellation of passes, or prosecution — can be undertaken under immigration laws.”
He further explained that foreign men who marry Malaysian women are eligible to reside in the country under the PLS pass, which may be issued for periods ranging from one to five years. If they wish to work, they must obtain formal employment approval from the Immigration Department.
To prevent misuse of these privileges, the department carries out regular compliance inspections, including home visits to verify the couple’s cohabitation, working conditions, and overall adherence to visa terms.
“These inspections include interviews with spouses, family members, and nearby residents to corroborate information, alongside reviewing relevant documentation to ensure compliance,” Zakaria added.
He stressed that any misuse of immigration facilities is a serious offence, adding: “If there is evidence of abuse, enforcement action will follow. Offenders will be arrested, investigated, charged in court, and subsequently blacklisted and deported upon completion of their sentence.”
To bolster enforcement, the Immigration Department is working closely with agencies including the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), JPN, the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM), state Islamic religious departments, the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN), and local authorities.
Through joint operations, information sharing, and coordinated investigations, Zakaria said authorities are able to swiftly identify offenders and initiate appropriate legal action. - September 16, 2025
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