Warisan veep sounds the alarm over abuse of visa-free entry

Wong claimed that Sabahans, especially local businesses and service providers, had become increasingly concerned about social media posts by foreigners openly offering services such as plumbing and renovation at competitive prices.

“These cases are no longer isolated incidents. Sabahans are increasingly alarmed that some foreigners are openly operating businesses and offering paid services while holding social visit passes.

“This trend has existed for quite some time, but Sabahans believe it has worsened following the implementation of the Malaysia-China visa-free travel policy in 2024,” Borneo Post quoted Wong as saying today.

The Tanjung Aru assemblyman asked the state government, the immigration department, local authorities and relevant enforcement agencies to review monitoring mechanisms, conduct stricter inspections and take firm action against foreigners operating businesses or working illegally in Sabah.

Wong said home minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail had recently stated in Parliament that visa-free entry for Chinese nationals applies strictly to tourism and social visits, while any form of employment or paid professional work requires proper visas and work permits.

“If the federal government itself recognises the risk of abuse and has tightened conditions, Sabah authorities must not remain complacent or lax in enforcement,” he said.

Wong reminded Sabahans to remain vigilant against possible scams by foreign operators offering plumbing, renovation and technical services, noting that cases involving fraudulent contractors had previously surfaced in Peninsular Malaysia as well.