Foreigners expanding business, farming activities in Janda Baik

Janda Baik, a town renowned for its natural beauty and tourist attractions, is experiencing growing concerns over the increasing presence of foreigners from Indonesia, Nepal, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. According to information gathered by Berita Harian, these foreigners are not only working in the area but are also venturing into business and agricultural opportunities.

Thousands of foreigners are now living in the village, which is situated on the outskirts of the Titiwangsa Range, and they are becoming increasingly active in the local economy. Residents have reported that foreigners resemble locals, frequenting sundry shops, coffee shops, and riding motorcycles.

Some residents expressed concerns over foreigners entering the business and agricultural sectors, claiming they are establishing sundry shops, eateries, and cultivating agricultural land rented from local landowners. One resident, who wished to remain anonymous, noted that foreigners from these four countries were becoming more visible in daily life in the village.

Another resident, Ahmad, 43, a member of the residents' association, mentioned that some Pakistanis had opened sundry shops offering cheaper services, leading to competition for local workers. Nepalese groups, when present in large numbers, are said to engage in activities such as consuming alcohol, though they have not caused any disturbances thus far.

Ahmad estimated that there are about 2,800 families in Janda Baik, and the number of foreigners in the area is in the thousands. Regarding agricultural activities, Ahmad explained that most of the cultivated land is rented from local landowners, who receive three to four times their investment from the produce. However, residents have called on authorities to enforce stricter measures, monitor the foreigners' presence, and prevent them from engaging in activities beyond their initial purpose of working in the local tourism sector.

The Immigration Department has conducted operations in the area, but residents demand more stringent action to address their concerns about foreigners entering the business and agricultural sectors. Additionally, a campsite operator named Razlan raised safety concerns, mentioning that some foreigners kept dogs to guard agricultural land, but the animals were allowed to roam freely, posing potential threats to children.