KUALA LUMPUR: Homeowners who rent out their properties to foreigners have been identified as a primary factor contributing to certain areas becoming predominantly foreign including illegal immigrants, reports said.

According to Kosmo, Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari said currently, no restrictions are in place regarding these rental practices, as property owners have the right to rent out their homes as they please.

"If homeowners do not rent out their properties to them (foreigners or illegal immigrants), they would not stay in one area.

"These individuals are also engaged in various activities. This is the reality we have to face.

"Urbanisation and labour issues are not unique to Selangor; they occur everywhere," he said, as reported by the Malay-daily.

Amirudin said this in response to the influx of foreigners in Taman Alam Jaya, Puncak Alam, which has led to the neighbourhood appearing like a foreign colony.

Amirudin acknowledged that the concentration of foreigners in certain areas, which causes concern, is not a recent phenomenon but has been ongoing since the Covid-19 pandemic.

"As such, the state government is now focusing on managing these foreign workers by placing them in centralised labour quarters (CLQ).

"The process is still ongoing, and we are making significant efforts with the CLQ."

Amirudin added that the state government is aware of these concerns and will cooperate with local authorities to better coordinate the placement of foreigners.

"It is best if they can live in peace and harmony, which is often the case in many places.

"However, if specific or isolated issues arise, they must be addressed according to the country's rules and laws."

Kosmo yesterday reported more than 1,000 foreign nationals, namely from Bangladesh, Nepal and Myanmar have settled in Taman Alam Jaya, Puncak Alam, occupying flats and shophouses and transforming the area into a foreign colony.

They also operate businesses such as grocery and food stores in the area.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/08/1087911/homeowners-primary-reason-foreign-colonies-selangor-says-amirudin