MalayMail-July 15
The Immigration Department has inspected the “Network School” tech commune operating in Forest City and scrutinised 266 foreign nationals from 40 countries. In a statement today, Immigration Department director-general Zakaria Shaaban said the inspection was conducted yesterday together with the Iskandar Puteri City Council, the MCMC, the Johor State Secretary’s Office, and the police. He said preliminary checks found that all 266 individuals possessed valid immigration documents. “Further checks and investigations are, however, continuing to ensure full compliance with entry requirements, the Immigration Act 1959/63 and other relevant laws,” he said. Yesterday, the Johor government urged authorities to investigate the tech commune over allegations that Israelis with dual citizenship are living there. The Network School is a private residential and co-working community, launched in 2024 by tech investor Balaji Srinivasan. It’s aimed at so-called “techno-optimists” and charges US$1,500 (RM6,118.50) a month for accommodation, meals, and services including gym access.
Zakaria further said that the entry of all foreign nationals into Malaysia is subject to existing immigration laws, with checks at the country’s entry points conducted based on travel documents presented, relevant database searches, and available enforcement records at the time. “The Immigration Department will not compromise on any violations of immigration laws or abuse of immigration facilities.
“Any individual found to have breached the law will face enforcement action based on the outcome of investigations and the relevant legal provisions,” he said. Read more at:
