KUALA LUMPUR: The Housing and Local Government Ministry said that local authorities have never recognised or permitted foreign nationals to operate as hawkers or small traders.
Deputy Minister Datuk Aiman Athirah Sabu said that under the Hawkers By-laws, foreign nationals are also prohibited from serving as workers or assistants under hawker licences at local council premises.
"Local councils have never allowed foreigners to apply for or hold licences for hawkers, small traders, business premises, grocery shops, eateries, car workshops or market stalls, in line with the Hawkers By-laws and Trades, Businesses and Industries By-laws.
"This is because the rental rates set by local authorities are below market value and are meant to provide business opportunities for locals," she said during the question-and-answer session in the Dewan Negara today (Dec 2).
She was responding to a question by Senator Datuk Setia Salehuddin on measures to address the issue of foreign traders setting up makeshift stalls along roadsides and at night markets.
Aiman Athirah explained that under the Trades, Businesses and Industries By-laws, business licences are only issued to Malaysian citizens, and they may employ foreigners as workers or assistants, with the condition that they hold valid work passes or trade permits.
"Authorities will not tolerate violations of licensing conditions by any business or licensee, and stern actions such as confiscation, fines, closure of premises and licence cancellations would be taken," she added.
She also said that state governments play a role in tightening requirements for new licence applications and renewals to curb foreign nationals from operating businesses.
Since 2022, local authorities have conducted 2,031 enforcement operations against business premises, revoking 26,108 licences for breaches, including transferring licences or permits to foreign nationals.
Additionally, Aiman Athirah said they have introduced multiple complaint channels, including hotlines and the e-Aduan system accessible via local council portals and their PBTCare mobile app.
PBTCare, developed by the ministry through the Local Government Department, allows users to lodge complaints with photos and real-time locations and receive feedback from authorities, she said.
– BERNAMA