- Network School has been ordered to cease all operations at its Forest City premises in Johor following a revocation of its business licence by state authorities.
- The Iskandar Puteri City Council (MBIP) made the decision after inspections revealed multiple breaches under local authority jurisdiction.
- Johor Chief Minister Onn Hafiz Ghazi supported the decision and emphasized that it was in accordance with existing legal provisions.
- Onn Hafiz called for tighter investor vetting and urged relevant agencies to investigate potential legal violations linked to the Network School.
- The Johor authorities found that Network School had breached licensing conditions and served it two notices last week.
- The Immigration Department reported that 19 foreigners linked to the Network School remain unaccounted for amid ongoing investigations.
- 210 foreigners linked to the group remain in Malaysia, while 201 have left the country, according to the Immigration Department.
The Johor government has ordered the closure of Network School in Forest City after revoking its business license due to violations of licensing conditions.1
Chief Minister Onn Hafiz Ghazi stated that the enforcement action followed thorough inspections and was necessary to uphold the law.
“The enforcement action was only taken after complaints and information were verified,” he noted, emphasizing the importance of legal compliance.
The Iskandar Puteri City Council (MBIP) conducted inspections on July 12, 14, 19, and 20, which revealed multiple breaches.2
“No investor, company or organisation can be placed above the sovereignty of the country's laws,” Onn Hafiz added, calling for tighter vetting of investors.
The Immigration Department reported that 19 foreigners associated with Network School are unaccounted for, with ongoing investigations into their status.6
“They may have left through illegal routes or may have entered the country illegally,” said Immigration Department director-general Zakaria Shaaban.
The situation has drawn attention from high-profile investors, including Balaji, former CTO of Coinbase, who expressed concerns over a planned RM500 million (US$122 million) expansion being put on hold.
Onn Hafiz has urged relevant agencies to investigate potential violations, including misuse of passports and identity misrepresentation, and to review any recognition granted to Network School by the Digital Ministry and MDEC.
The matter has also been escalated to the Malaysian king and Johor Regent, highlighting its significance.
“The Immigration Department said 19 foreigners linked to Network School remain unaccounted for, while 210 of 430 identified are still in Malaysia and 201 have left. Johor Chief Minister Onn Hafiz Ghazi stressed that no investor can be placed above the country's laws, backing the shutdown.”
Malaysiakini
