JOHOR BARU: The Iskandar Puteri City Council’s (MBIP) decision to revoke the business licence of Network School (NS0 Malaysia Sdn Bhd) and shut down all its operations in Forest City, effective tomorrow 22 July has been supported by the Johor government.
Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said the government fully supported MBIP’s decision following a meeting to evaluate inspection reports, enforcement findings and written representations submitted by the company.
“Enforcement action can only be taken once complaints are verified, non-compliance is established and due legal process has been completed,” he said in a Facebook post as quoted by New Straits Times.
“The length of time a premise has operated does not mean its activities are in perpetual compliance with licensing terms. Once non-compliance is identified, action must be taken without compromise.”
On July 18, Regent of Johor Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim said the Johor government and local authorities would conduct a thorough investigation into issues surrounding Network School’s operations in Forest City.
His Royal Highness said the Johor government and local authorities would examine matters under their respective jurisdictions, while issues involving the entry of foreigners into Malaysia fall under the Home Ministry’s purview.
Concerns were previously raised over Network School’s operations in Forest City involving Israeli nationals.
Onn Hafiz said while Johor welcomed high-value foreign investments that drove economic growth and created jobs, no investor or entity was above the law.
He said the Johor government and local authorities would not compromise on any legal violations or matters that could jeopardise national security, sovereignty or the public interest.
He also urged the Home Ministry, Immigration Department, police and other security agencies to continue investigating possible offences, including the misuse of second passports, identity misrepresentation and immigration breaches.
Given Johor’s strategic location along the maritime border with Singapore, Onn Hafiz said any weakness or abuse in immigration oversight must be addressed swiftly and firmly.
He also called on the Digital Ministry and the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) to review and revoke the company’ Malaysia Digital status or related recognition if non-compliance was established.
He added that all regulatory bodies should strengthen their due diligence processes, including background checks, ownership structures, funding sources and operational narratives, before approving foreign ventures.
Onn Hafiz said the Johor government’s actions and policy directives had been briefed to, and received royal assent from, His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, and His Royal Highness Tunku Ismail, Regent of Johor.
