KUALA LUMPUR: "Ali Baba" type businesses run by foreigners are popping up nationwide like "mushrooms after rain".

Continuous enforcement efforts by local councils also seem to have no effect in deterring them.

This is the operations being conducted seem to be mere acts put on by these enforcement agencies, with seasonal and selective enforcement efforts observed.

Over six months worth of intelligence activities by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) have revealed that various illegal activities in big cities nationwide were also protected by these authorities.

The "protection" also covers small-scale businesses, including hawkers and shops that are now monopolised by foreigners.

Through the intelligence gathered, MACC found that local licence holders were renting out their premises and business licenses to foreigners.

Intelligence further reveals that enforcement personnel were offered bribes on a monthly basis to protect these businesses and turn a blind eye to these Ali Baba type businesses.

The Kuala Lumpur Market is a prime example.

Although multiple enforcement actions were conducted, foreigners continue to have a firm grip on the area.

It was learnt that hidden hands were protecting these business while leaking information on enforcement operations.

MACC deputy chief commissioner (operations) Datuk Seri Ahmad Khusairi Yahaya said the issue of giving and receiving bribes involving premises owners to law enforcement will be made public through two special operations around Kuala Lumpur.

"These operations will be a case study to prove to the responsible parties that there is corruption and protection activities involving illegal traders.

"While the MACC has limited strength and budget to monitor and act on illegal activities, it is hoped that through these operations, the local authorities will take drastic and serious measures to curb the operations involving foreign controlled hawkers," he said.

Khusairi added that the MACC expects to make dozens of arrests comprising of foreigners, local licence holders and enforcement officers involved in protecting these activities.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/crime-courts/2024/07/1077427/ali-baba-businesses-growing-mushrooms-after-rain-says-macc