STAR Examines Measures To Tackle Economic Colonisation By Foreign Nationals

PUTRAJAYA, June 11 (Bernama) -- The government will step up efforts to address economic colonisation by non-citizens that could affect national interests and the competitiveness of local businesses.

This was the primary focus at today’s Special Task Force on Agency Reform (STAR) meeting, chaired by Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar.

A STAR statement said the meeting reviewed a Ministry of Finance presentation on business activities by foreigners that do not comply with government rules.

"This matter requires more integrated action to ensure compliance with the law, protect consumer safety and curb shadow economy activities, which refer to unregistered business activities operating outside of proper regulation," the statement said.

STAR said this step is important for protecting local entrepreneurs’ competitiveness and for building a business environment that is fair, open, and conducive to the country’s economic growth.

The meeting also examined ways to improve the Royal Malaysian Customs Department's management of investigations and vehicle exhibits, to tackle asset dumping and storage congestion.

The statement said this measure is important for speeding up case resolution, optimising storage space, reducing asset loss, and ensuring exhibits are managed quickly, efficiently, and with integrity.

STAR said the meeting also focused on the proposed placement of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) students in government research institutions to develop future talent, in line with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's recommendation during the recent National TVET Day 2026.

"This initiative aims to bridge the current skills gap with the needs of strategic sectors, particularly in new technology fields such as artificial intelligence, energy transition, green transition and applied cryptology," the statement said.

STAR added that through exposure to a real research and development (R&D) environment, the programme is expected to increase the employability of TVET graduates, strengthen the production of a highly skilled workforce and support the country's aspiration to become an economy driven by innovation and high-value technology.

-- BERNAMA