Forest City tech commune continues operations under tightened security

ISKANDAR PUTERI – The Network School premises in Forest City here, which has been linked to allegations of Israeli nationals participating using second-country passports and is currently being investigated by the authorities, was observed to still be operating.

The journey to the location from Kota Iskandar, the nearest state government administrative area, takes about 20 minutes, covering a distance of around 20 kilometres.

Observations found several individuals believed to be foreigners and dressed casually entering and leaving the building throughout the monitoring period. However, no suspicious activities could be observed from outside the premises.

Security measures in the area also appeared to have been strengthened, with security guards stationed at the entrance and around the building.

The surrounding Forest City neighbourhood was relatively quiet, with most individuals encountered comprising foreigners, tourists, as well as workers commuting to Singapore.

The surrounding Forest City neighbourhood was relatively quiet.

Kota Iskandar state assemblyman Datuk Pandak Ahmad said any actions found to contradict government policies or the country’s laws must be thoroughly investigated before appropriate action is taken.

“If the matter is true and violates government policies, we certainly do not agree with it and urge the authorities to take appropriate action,” he said.

Earlier on Tuesday, the Ministry of Home Affairs (KDN), through the Immigration Department of Malaysia (JIM), Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and relevant agencies said it was conducting comprehensive checks and investigations into the operation of the Network School in Forest City, Johor.

Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, in a statement, stressed that the state government would not allow any party to use Johor as a platform to bring in ideologies or movements that contradict the law, sovereignty and interests of the state and country.