# Semporna's illegal foreign business activities raised in Cabinet

> Malaysian cabinet addresses foreign economic activities on Semporna islands.
- Title: Semporna's illegal foreign business activities raised in…
- Summary: Malaysian cabinet addresses foreign economic activities on Semporna islands. Malaysia's federal cabinet discussed foreign nationals using social visit passes…
- Keywords: sabah, sarawak, federal cabinet, social visit passes, illegal tourism, tourism operations, foreign nationals, malaysian government, semporna, minister mustapha sakmud, home minister saifuddin nasution ismail, eastern sabah security command
- Source: Malay Mail — https://malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/10/19/sempornas-illegal-foreign-business-activities-raised-in-cabinet-says-minister/239772
- Published: 2026-10-19T18:34:55+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: sabah, sarawak, federal cabinet, social visit passes, illegal tourism, tourism operations, foreign nationals, malaysian government, semporna, minister mustapha sakmud, home minister saifuddin nasution ismail, eastern sabah security command
## Cabinet discussion
Malaysia's federal cabinet raised concerns about foreign nationals using social visit passes for illegal economic activities in Semporna.

> The issue of foreigners abusing social visit passes to engage in illegal economic activities in Semporna has been raised and discussed in the Federal Cabinet
## Government response
Minister Datuk Mustapha Sakmud confirmed federal government is taking enforcement action through operations on tourist islands.

> Action is being taken on this issue, with operations conducted particularly against business activities on the islands
## Tourism ministry action
Ministry of Tourism plans to take further steps after discussing illegal tourism control by foreigners.

> The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture has also discussed this issue and will take appropriate action
## Home minister directive
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail ordered joint enforcement operations with local authorities.

> He had directed ESSCom to conduct joint enforcement operations with all relevant parties in the area
## Report findings
Bernama reports foreign investors illegally controlled tourism economic chain through 'Ali Baba' arrangements.

> the eastern sabah security command exposed how foreigners used illegal partnerships or local proxies in "ali baba" arrangements
## Criminal activities
Foreigners created scam centres through illegal partnerships with local proxies on Semporna islands.

> creating opportunities for various criminal activities, including operating scam centres
## Key takeaway

Malaysia's federal cabinet discussed foreign nationals using social visit passes for illegal tourism operations in Semporna.