CASES of fake marriages involving foreigners and local women believed to be for the purpose of obtaining business licenses are allegedly getting more serious in Selangor.
Local Government and Tourism Exco, Datuk Ng Suee Lim, said it is not a new thing and is believed to have been happening for more than 10 years.
He said some marriages are done solely to enable foreigners to run businesses and continue to be in this country.
“This modus operandi is among the challenges that make it difficult for the Local Authority (PBT) to take action because the business licenses are obtained in the names of the couples, who are also local citizens.
“When enforcement operations are carried out, the individuals involved often give the excuse that they are only helping the couple manage the business.
“We are faced with a dilemma in taking action because the licenses are valid and registered in the names of local citizens,” he said at a press conference at the Selangor State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Wisma, today.
He said it was difficult for the local authority to revoke a business licence in such a situation unless there was a breach of conditions or other offences under the relevant law.
He also admitted that there was concern over the increase in foreign traders running small businesses without control, but stressed that strict action would still be taken against those operating without a licence.
In this regard, he said, the state government would continue to work with the Immigration Department and relevant agencies to find the best method to deal with the issue, which was allegedly occurring in several industrial hotspots in Selangor.
He said that among the areas in Selangor where the cases were detected were Sungai Rasau and Section 15, Shah Alam. – June 22, 2026
