JB to come down hard on illegal foreign traders

NIGHT market organisers who allow foreign nationals to run stalls at their markets could have their trading licence suspended for two weeks, Johor Baru City Council (MBJB) warns.

Mayor Datuk Mohd Noorazam Osman said the city council would not take this matter lightly, especially since it had become rampant.

He said that as of April 18, compounds were issued to 53 foreign nationals who were caught operating stalls at 13 night markets under MBJB’s jurisdiction.

“I urge market organisers to be more responsible and adhere to the licensing terms, which include not allowing foreigners to operate stalls.

“If they fail to do so, we will suspend them from organising night markets for two weeks,” he told reporters after MBJB’s full board meeting.

He said the 53 foreign nationals were issued compounds of about RM1,000 each, and their goods were also seized.

Joint operations too were carried out with the Immigration Department to weed out illegal immigrants, he added.

Noorazam said foreign nationals operating stalls illegally in Johor Baru included those from Vietnam, Bangladesh, India, Nepal and Myanmar, who sold traditional food from their home countries.

He said MBJB was mulling the possibility of allowing foreign nationals to operate stalls legally at one-off events such as food fairs.

“Johor Baru receives visitors from all around the world.

“In some major cities in other countries, we can see foreign nationals operating stalls in markets and selling delicacies from their respective home countries.

“We can emulate this to attract visitors and boost tourism.”

He said the city council would ensure that such a move would not affect local traders.

“They (foreigners) will not be allowed to operate stalls at regular markets or run the stalls on a regular basis,” said Noorazam.