KUALA LUMPUR (July 21): The Iskandar Puteri City Council (MBIP) has revoked the business licence of Network School operator NS0 Malaysia Sdn Bhd and ordered all activities at its Forest City premises to cease from Wednesday, July 22, citing breaches of licensing conditions and unauthorised use of its premises.
In a statement, the MBIP said the enforcement action followed inspections and compliance audits conducted at the company's two premises on July 12, 14, 19 and 20.
The council said it issued a notice ordering the company to stop operations, revoked its business licence for conducting activities beyond those approved under its licence, and cancelled its advertising licence because the signboard displayed at the premises did not match the approved licence details.
Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi in a separate statement said the state government fully supports the MBIP's decision, adding that it was made after reviewing inspection reports, enforcement findings and the company's representations in accordance with legal procedures.
He said enforcement action can only be taken after complaints are verified, inspections completed, non-compliance identified and due process followed.
Onn Hafiz stressed that while Johor welcomes quality investments, no investor or company is above the law.
The state government also urged the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Immigration Department, the Royal Malaysian Police and other agencies to continue investigating the matter, including allegations involving misuse of second passports, identity misrepresentation and immigration offences.
It also called on the Ministry of Digital and the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) to review the organisation's Malaysia Digital status if any breaches are found, while urging all agencies to strengthen due diligence and coordination to ensure compliance with licensing, immigration, security and other legal requirements.
The state government said the matter has been presented to and received the consent of the King, Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar, and Tunku Mahkota Ismail, the Regent of Johor.
Earlier on Tuesday, the Immigration Department said 19 of the 430 people linked to the tech commune in Johor have not been located. Of the remainder, 210 are still in Malaysia and 201 have left the country.
The issue surrounding the operation of Network School in Forest City gained attention after the state government expressed concern over allegations that Israeli citizens were participating in the programme using second passports.
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