31/01/2026

SATURDAY | JAN 31, 2026

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Act against foreigners who misuse social visit passes: PM

Malaysia spearheading COC negotiations

CEBU: Malaysia will continue to play an active and significant role in spearheading the South China Sea Code of Conduct (COC) negotiations through cooperation and understanding among Asean member states and China for it to be finalised this year, said Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan. He said Malaysia, as co-country coordinator with China for Asean-China Dialogue Relations (August 2024-July 2027), has taken the initiative to plan more frequent meetings this year. These include Asean-China Senior Officials’ Meeting on the Implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea and Asean-China Joint Working Group on the Implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea. “During the Asean Foreign Ministers’ Retreat in Cebu, I asserted the need for a continuous effort to conclude the COC within the stipulated timeline. “This is important because the existence of the COC will contribute to the strengthening of regional stability and peace.” He said member states have also conveyed a clear and consistent message during the retreat to hasten the ongoing negotiation process. Mohamad said 70% of the content of the COC negotiation has been agreed upon. The retreat’s chair Philippines Foreign Affairs Secretary Maria Theresa P. Lazaro said in a statement that Asean welcomed the positive momentum and progress in the ongoing COC negotiations. “We will endeavour to conclude the negotiations for an effective and substantive COC that is in accordance with international law, particularly the 1982 Unclos, within this year.” The retreat is the first major meeting under the Asean Political Security Community pillar during the Philippines’ Asean Chairmanship in 2026. It is held under the theme “Navigating Our Future, Together”. – Bernama Advice for M’sians visiting India NEW DELHI: Malaysians travelling to India and those residing in the country are urged to take precautions against Nipah virus infection, said the High Commission of Malaysia in New Delhi. It advised those visiting areas with reported Nipah virus cases to wear masks in public places to reduce droplet exposure and avoid crowded areas where possible. They have also been advised to maintain strict personal hygiene, including frequent hand-washing and avoid eating unwashed fruits or food that may be contaminated. “The High Commission will continue to monitor developments closely and provide updates as necessary. “Malaysian nationals are encouraged to remain informed and take all recommended precautions in the interest of their health and safety.” It also cautioned against coming in contact with sick animals or individuals showing symptoms such as fever, headache, cough or respiratory distress. The Indian Health Ministry has confirmed two cases of Nipah virus in the eastern state of West Bengal. On Tuesday, it reported that the outbreak has been contained. However, the outbreak has prompted authorities in many Asian countries, including Malaysia, to take measures to screen travellers arriving from India. Nipah virus infection is a zoonotic illness that is transmitted to humans from animals and can spread among people via contaminated food or directly from human-to-human contact, according to WHO. – Bernama

He said the Cabinet had not interfered in any investigations being conducted independently by the relevant authorities. “These actions are being carried out by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and the Environment Department. The Cabinet has not intervened and fully trusts the authorities to take action.” His remarks follow the MACC’s arrest of the director-general and his deputy in connection with an electronic waste (e waste) case. Both, along with an assistant officer, were remanded for seven days, while a civilian was remanded for three days to assist in investigations. The probe involves alleged abuse of power and corruption linked to e-waste management over several years, and is being conducted under the MACC Act 2009. On Thursday, it was reported that MACC had frozen 16 bank accounts holding RM10.2 million as the agency intensifies its probe into alleged corruption related to e-waste processing, effluent discharge and scheduled waste disposal in Selangor and Negeri Sembilan. They also quoted sources saying that cash amounting to RM87,000 and valuables worth RM220,000 were also seized under MACC’s Ops Nature.

o Directive follows recent enforcement operations and concerns that abuse of visa could impact local employment

PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has directed authorities to intensify enforcement against foreigners who exploit social visit passes to work in Malaysia, said Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil after yesterday’s Cabinet meeting. Fahmi said the directive comes in response to recent enforcement operations and concerns that visa misuse could impact local employment. “The prime minister has called for stricter measures against foreigners who abuse social visit passes or violate visa conditions for work. They will face severe penalties.” He added that since 2025, 54,791 people were screened nationwide, comprising 51,100 last year and 3,691 so far this month. Fahmi said these screenings are part of ongoing efforts to prevent visitors from entering Malaysia for tourism or social reasons and then engaging in unauthorised work. Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI newsdesk@thesundaily.com He said while some enforcement measures have been implemented, the government could not afford to be complacent, and must do more to bring about comprehensive change. “At today’s Cabinet meeting, we discussed enforcement. I know several actions have been taken but we must not be easily satisfied with what has been done so far. “Despite these measures, there are still clear weaknesses in regulatory compliance and on-the-ground enforcement.” Anwar was speaking after performing Friday prayers at Masjid Ar-Rahimah in Taman Greenwood, Gombak yesterday. He said meaningful national improvements could only be achieved by mobilising the full strength of the government machinery. Anwar said enforcement and monitoring must be strengthened at the highest levels, from ministry secretaries-general and department heads to directors and even Cabinet ministers, adding that weaknesses often begin at the top. He said enforcement at senior levels must also be implemented more rigorously as it sets the standard for implementation further down the chain. Anwar added that issues at the grassroots level, including stall management, cleanliness, foreign workers who do not comply with regulations and violations by foreigners working without proper procedures, must be addressed firmly and consistently. “I have therefore directed that the actions we announced a few days ago be continued until they deliver real positive impact for the people and the country.” Later, Anwar visited the Sri Subramaniar Swamy Temple complex in Batu Caves to check on preparations for the Thaipusam celebration, which will be observed by Hindu

“What was emphasised during today’s Cabinet meeting was the prime minister’s instruction that firm action be taken against foreign nationals and visitors who abuse social visit passes or visa flexibilities to work illegally.” Previously, the Home Ministry said it was committed to tightening border controls and addressing the abuse of immigration facilities through a comprehensive three-stage strategy – before arrival, at entry points and inside the country. Fahmi said all Cabinet ministers have been reminded by Anwar to uphold integrity and avoid any “unwanted actions”, amid ongoing high-profile investigations, including a major corruption probe involving the Environment Department. He said Anwar has reiterated the importance of enforcement and maintaining public trust in institutions. Fahmi acknowledged concerns that some enforcement actions were perceived as counterproductive, and could undermine public confidence.

Carry out enforcement more effectively: Anwar KUALA LUMPUR: All enforcement actions must be carried out more effectively at every level, from federal and state governments to local authorities, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Anwar at Batu Caves yesterday to check preparations for Thaipusam . – ADAM AMIR HAMZAH /THESUN

involved in the preparations and attended a briefing with organisers to ensure that the celebration proceeds smoothly and safely. The annual chariot procession from the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple in Jalan Tun H.S. Lee to Batu Caves will mark the start of Thaipusam. To facilitate the procession, 12 road junctions around the capital will be closed or diverted in stages, including Jalan Lebuh Ampang/Jalan Perak, Jalan Tun Perak/Jalan Pudu, Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock/Jalan Sultan, Jalan Sultan/Jalan Hang Jebat, and Jalan Sultan/Jalan Petaling. – Bernama

devotees tomorrow. Anwar arrived at about 2.30pm and was received by Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo, Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan, Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari and temple management officials. He visited procession routes as well as ministry and agency booths at the Madani Thaipusam site which offer services such as health screenings for visitors. During the hour-long visit, Anwar also interacted with devotees and volunteers