Sarawak Consumers Association urges crackdown on services scams involving foreigners

KUCHING, Aug 29: The Sarawak Consumers Association (PPS) has urged the government to strengthen control, monitoring and enforcement against illegal employment and scams involving foreign nationals. Dr Wynson Ong, PPS president, highlighted numerous complaints about 'services' being advertised by foreigners on social media platforms. These services range from 'free home leakage inspections' to 'hollow tile inspections' claiming to resolve problems without causing damage.

Ong expressed concern over victims reporting to the police but facing no follow-up action, leaving them frustrated and unsure of where to turn for help. Some cases involved payments of thousands of ringgit, making it difficult to trace the perpetrators once the victims had sought redress.

While the visa-free policy aims to boost tourism and economy, Ong recommended enhancing post-entry monitoring and enforcement measures. He noted the current penalties for some cases - fines of RM3,000 to RM5,000 - as insufficient deterrents. If the losses suffered by victims or gains by scammers surpass these fines, the penalties may not effectively discourage illegal activities.

Ong emphasized the need for authorities to investigate cases where individuals entering Malaysia under visa-free entry or as tourists are involved in home repair, renovation, or providing paid services. He stressed that visa-free entry does not grant permission to seek work in Malaysia.

To address operational gaps, PPS called for enhanced inter-agency cooperation and information sharing between the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), the Immigration Department, and other enforcement bodies. The government, Ong stressed, opens its doors to tourists, investments and economic opportunities, not to provide a space for irresponsible parties to work illegally or prey on victims.