The Iskandar Puteri City Council (MBIP) issued a stop-business notice, reference IP012N260714001, to premises linked to Network School in Forest City on July 17 after discovering breaches of business licence conditions and misuse of approved premises. [1, 2, 3] The notice ordered the school to cease operations at two locations, one of which was operating without a valid MBIP business licence despite being owned by a Malaysian citizen, Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said. [1, 4, 2, 3, 5]
MBIP found that Network School was using premises licensed solely as business offices for classroom activities and promotional events. These activities violated the permitted business category as no proper applications for such use were submitted to the council. [1, 2, 3] Furthermore, MBIP issued an advertisement licence notice numbered 6103 under Section 107(2) of the Local Government Act 1976 due to non-compliant signboards displayed by Network School on its premises. [1, 2, 3]
The Johor state government has taken the breaches seriously and pledged ongoing investigations with further enforcement likely against any confirmed violations. Johor Menteri Besar Onn Hafiz Ghazi said, "If any breaches of the law, licence conditions or applicable regulations are found, further enforcement action will be taken in accordance with the relevant legal provisions." [1]
Johor Regent Tunku Mahkota Ismail also stressed a thorough inquiry and warned, "Firm action would be taken, including the revocation of the company's operating licence or permit in Johor, should any violation of the law, licensing conditions or regulations be found." [4]
The matter involving foreign nationals linked to Network School falls under the jurisdiction of Malaysia’s Home Ministry. The Johor government urged the federal ministry to make prompt decisions regarding these individuals. [1, 4, 2, 3, 5] Social media allegations connecting Network School to an Israeli agenda and currency investment schemes remain unsubstantiated. [1, 4, 3, 5]
Johor Menteri Besar Onn Hafiz Ghazi called for federal agencies to thoroughly investigate the school’s operations, including the status of any foreign participants involved. [2] Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim warned, "Any Israeli nationals found to be involved in the Network School would be deported immediately if investigations confirmed their presence. Malaysia does not recognise Israel." [2]
The stop-business notice and advertisement licence warning were issued on July 17. On July 18, the Johor Regent and Menteri Besar reiterated no tolerance for violations and commitment to a thorough investigation. [1, 4, 2, 3, 5]
