Seremban mayor Masri Razali said inspections conducted at six premises revealed that all were not operational, with only one having a valid licence, while four were unlicensed and another had an expired one.

“Among other violations, the premises had placed chairs and dining tables on public walkways, which created obstructions. The owners were also found to have carried out illegal renovations,” he told reporters today.

Masri said the council issued 24 compounds and seized the items obstructing public areas.

He said records showed the unlicensed premises had previously been fined for operating without authorisation, and they had applied for a business licence, but it was rejected as they did not meet the requirements.

Masri said another seven premises in Bandar Enstek, Nilai, believed to be owned by GISBH, were being monitored.

“Currently, they are all licensed. We will take further action if we receive reports regarding child labour or other crimes,” he said.

One of the establishments has posted a police report claiming their premises is not connected to GISBH.

“Our company uses the name Ikhwan, which has negatively impacted our business because the community assumes that all shops using the name Ikhwan are the same,” read the police report.

A trader named Ahmad, met near the premises, said all the restaurants had been closed for the past week.

Meanwhile, a nearby resident, Atikah, said most of the restaurant workers, who previously lived above the shop houses, had not been seen since the Op Global police operation two weeks ago.