The recent arrest of six Chinese nationals in Malaysia has raised public concerns about a potential increase in crime. These individuals were apprehended for alleged burglary, and the absence of legal entry documents has prompted fears that the country’s visa-free policies may allow criminals to enter undetected.
On Monday, Malaysian police announced the arrest of six Chinese suspects and one local accomplice believed to be part of a burglary ring active since January. The suspects reportedly used rented cars to access targeted homes identified by their Malaysian collaborator. Authorities stated that the stolen goods were sold, and the proceeds were used to fund their stays in three-star hotels.
Chinese citizens can travel to Malaysia without a visa for up to 30 days, a policy established to commemorate 50 years of diplomatic relations between the two nations. This change aims to attract more tourists and investors in the wake of the pandemic. However, many Malaysians fear that the increase in visitors from China may also lead to a rise in criminal activity, including gang-related problems. This concern is heightened by a surge in cyber scams, predominantly attributed to Chinese crime syndicates.
One Facebook user, Shan Nathan, expressed these worries, stating, “With more Chinese investments and projects in Malaysia, Triad issues will surely increase. It’s no surprise that there are already many Chinese scam call centers operating here.”
There are also fears that the presence of this burglary gang could be linked to a recent scandal involving immigration officers who allegedly facilitated the entry of undocumented migrants through Kuala Lumpur International Airport. Last month, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission arrested 50 immigration officers as part of a crackdown on corruption.
Another Facebook user, Nasaruddin Nasa, commented on the rising number of illegal immigrants in Malaysia, highlighting the potential link to the current situation.
Experts have voiced legitimate concerns regarding the visa-free entry of Chinese nationals, particularly in terms of verifying their identities, their accommodations, and any local connections they may have. Mohd Ramlan Mohd Arshad, a human security and migrant smuggling expert from Universiti Teknologi Mara, emphasized the need for stricter inspections at entry points.
“The burglary case is just one of the many criminal activities involving Chinese nationals recently,” Mohd Ramlan noted. He pointed out that in September, Malaysia’s immigration department arrested 10 Chinese nationals in separate operations targeting begging syndicates in southern Johor state. These individuals were reportedly making between 2,400 and 12,000 ringgit (approximately US$583 to US$2,991) monthly.
Additionally, many Malaysians have fallen victim to job scam syndicates linked to Chinese nationals, often being held against their will in scam call centers located in Cambodia or Myanmar. A recent report from Taiwan-based tech firm Gogolook revealed that these scams have collectively cost Malaysians up to US$12.8 billion annually.
Mohd Ramlan warned that Malaysia’s preferential treatment of Chinese nationals could jeopardize the nation’s social security system if it leads to increased criminal activity. He suggested a comprehensive policy review to address rising crime concerns effectively, particularly those involving or targeting Chinese citizens.
“The government needs to focus on enhancing the public safety net,” he stated.
In the first half of this year, the number of Chinese visitors to Malaysia surged by nearly 190 percent, totaling over 1.4 million arrivals from January to June, according to data from Tourism Malaysia. Last year, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced that Chinese firms pledged 170 billion ringgit (US$40 billion) in new investments across various sectors, including oil and gas, automotive, green technology, digital economy, and electronics manufacturing.
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