Sarawak to strictly enforce mandatory work permit laws, says minister

THE Sarawak government will be "very strict" in enforcing mandatory work permit laws for any outsiders coming into the state for work-related activities.

This will apply not just to foreigners but also to Malaysians from other states, said State Minister for Tourism, Creative Industries and Performing Arts Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Karim Hamzah.

Speaking at his winding-up speech at the State Legislative Assembly, he said Sarawak will have to adopt a very strict stance on this.

"Any non-Sarawakians coming into this state for visits linked to any sort of work and not associated with social visit or tourism must apply for a work permit.

"Even if they are here for just a few days, they must apply for a work permit.

"Visitors cannot engage in any sort of activities related to their professional work or businesses.

"Any outsiders found using social visit passes to engage in work-related activities can be charged under our state immigration laws," he said.

Karim, who is vice president of Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu, said there have been cases of outsiders entering Sarawak using social visit passes and then found engaging in non-social activities.

"We are not trying to make it difficult for outsiders to come.

"But if they come for any purposes associated with professional work and business, our law says they must apply for a working permit first before they can be allowed to enter," he said.

Sarawak has autonomous control over immigration laws. - November 19, 2024