MALAYSIANS who facilitate illegal activities by foreigners, including providing premises for unauthorised businesses, will face strict enforcement action, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said.
He said action would be taken against business operators without local authority licences or approval, as well as landowners and premises owners who allowed such activities.
“This includes action against individuals operating businesses without licences or permission from the local authorities, as well as land or premises owners who allow such activities to take place,” he said in a written parliamentary reply.
Zahid was responding to Datuk Mohd Suhaimi Abdullah (PN-Langkawi), who sought details on illegal Rohingya entries into Langkawi since 2021 and measures to curb illegal immigration and human trafficking operations using the island as a destination.
He said the National Security Council's Movement Directive No. 1/2022 provided for coordinated surveillance, monitoring and deportation of illegal immigrants attempting to enter Malaysian waters or cross the country's land borders.
Border controls were also being strengthened through artificial intelligence, drones and smart surveillance systems, alongside conventional physical barriers.
On the separate issue of the long-standing settlement in Bukit Malut, Langkawi, Zahid said the NSC was coordinating proposals for its redevelopment.
A demographic survey conducted in September 2024 found that 92.2% of the settlement's 4,584 residents were Malaysians, while the remainder were non-citizens.
He said the NSC had held 10 meetings with federal and state agencies to examine redevelopment options and secure stakeholders' agreement.
Police had conducted 267 operations in the area since 2022, while enforcement involving security, drugs, immigration and maritime security continued throughout 2026.
No significant offences involving the Bukit Malut community had been recorded by the Langkawi district police headquarters this year, he added.
Zahid was also responding to Afnan Hamimi Taib Azamudden (PN-Alor Setar), who asked about measures to resolve the settlement issue, including residents' status verification, enforcement and proposed resettlement. - November 5, 2026
