The Malaysian Immigration Department has completed an inspection of 266 foreign nationals residing at the Forest City development in Johor, finding that all individuals possessed valid travel documents. The operation, conducted on July 14, involved a joint task force including the police, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission, and local council authorities. This sweep was initiated following public and official concerns regarding the operations of a residential tech community known as Network School, which had been the subject of allegations concerning the entry of Israeli citizens.
While the initial document verification confirmed that the residents were in the country legally based on current records, authorities have emphasized that the investigation is not over. Immigration Director-General Datuk Zakaria Shaaban stated that further checks are underway to ensure full compliance with the Immigration Act 1959/63 and other relevant laws. The department is specifically looking into whether there has been any misuse of immigration facilities, identity fraud, or breaches of the conditions attached to the entry passes granted to these individuals.
The investigation gained momentum after Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi called for a federal probe into the program. Allegations suggested that some participants may have entered Malaysia using passports from a second country, a practice that has drawn scrutiny given Malaysia's lack of diplomatic ties with Israel. The Home Ministry has vowed to take firm action if any violations are discovered, stressing that the government will not compromise on matters of national security or sovereignty. Forest City’s developer, Country Garden Pacificview Sdn Bhd, has pledged full cooperation with the authorities, stating that it maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward any illegal activity on its premises.