Network School licence revoked, operations to cease effective tomorrow

JOHOR BAHRU – NSO Malaysia Sdn Bhd (Network School) in Forest City has been ordered to cease all operations after its business licence was revoked, effective tomorrow.

Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said the state government fully supports the decision made by the Iskandar Puteri City Council (MBIP) during a special full council meeting after reviewing inspection reports, enforcement findings and representations submitted by the company.

He said enforcement action can only be taken after complaints and information are verified, inspections are carried out, non-compliance is identified and the legal process is completed.

"The length of time a premise has been operating does not mean all of its activities have consistently complied with licensing conditions. Once non-compliance is identified, action must be taken without compromise.

"The state government will continue to strengthen coordination among agencies so that any non-compliance can be detected and addressed promptly," he said in a statement on Tuesday.

The issue involving Network School in Forest City drew public attention after allegations surfaced on social media claiming the programme was attended by foreign nationals, including individuals allegedly holding Israeli citizenship who entered Malaysia using passports from a second country.

Following the allegations, the Immigration Department conducted inspections on the international community in Forest City.

Its director-general Datuk Zakaria Shaaban confirmed that the operation involved checks on 266 foreign nationals from 40 countries.

Onn Hafiz said the state government continues to welcome high-quality investments that benefit the economy, create jobs and drive Johor's development.

However, he stressed that no investor, company or organisation should be placed above the country's sovereignty and the rule of law.

He also urged the Home Ministry, the Immigration Department, the Royal Malaysia Police and other relevant security agencies to continue their investigations.

He said firm action should be taken if there is any misuse of second passports, misrepresentation of identity, violations of entry conditions or any offences under Malaysian law.

"This matter cannot be taken lightly, especially as Johor is the country's strategic gateway bordering Singapore.

"Any weaknesses or abuse of the immigration system must be addressed immediately, firmly and without compromise," he said.

Onn Hafiz also called on the Digital Ministry and the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) to take appropriate action regarding the organisation's Malaysia Digital status or any recognition granted to it if it is found to have breached the stipulated conditions or principles.

At the same time, the state government urged all relevant agencies to tighten their due diligence processes, including background checks, ownership verification, funding sources, operational models and the narratives promoted by any company or organisation.

He said inter-agency coordination must also be strengthened to ensure every international investment or initiative is comprehensively assessed in terms of licensing, immigration, security, use of premises and legal compliance.

"The state government will continue working with all parties to ensure Johor remains a trusted investment destination, without compromising on national security, sovereignty or the rule of law.

"All of these matters have been presented to and received the consent of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, the King of Malaysia and the Regent of Johor, Tunku Mahkota Ismail," he said.