Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said based on official data, the number of visitors from China who misused the PLS to work or conduct business in Malaysia remained low compared to the overall number of Chinese national arrivals.

He said in 2024, Malaysia recorded 3.95 million visitors from China. During that period, only 1,009 Chinese nationals were arrested for various immigration offences, of whom 309 were detained for misusing the PLS to work or do business.

“This represents just 0.008% of the total Chinese national arrivals that year,” he said in a written parliamentary reply.

He said this year, up to Sept 30, a total of 3.45 million arrivals from China had been recorded.

“Of these, 871 individuals were arrested for immigration-related offences, with 418 detained for misusing the PLS – equivalent to only 0.013% of total Chinese national arrivals during the period,” he said.

Saifuddin was responding to Chong Chieng Jen (PH–Stampin), who had asked the government to state the measures taken to control Chinese nationals entering Malaysia on PLS but engaging in employment or business activities.

He said such visitors had reportedly affected the income of local traders and contractors.

Saifuddin said to ensure the matter remained under control, the immigration department carried out regular and targeted enforcement operations.

Such operations include enforcement actions in 224 hotspot areas frequented by foreign nationals to curb the rise of immigration offences, joint integrated operations with other enforcement agencies, and consistent monitoring and inspections.

Saifuddin stressed that the government remained fully committed to addressing the issue effectively to uphold the rule of law and protect the economic interests of locals.

“Accordingly, enforcement actions will continue to be intensified under a ‘zero-tolerance’ approach towards any foreigner who violates the terms of entry, as well as any local party found to be complicit,” he said.