Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has announced that any Israeli national found in the country will be immediately deported. This firm stance follows ongoing investigations into allegations that individuals with Israeli citizenship have been participating in a private technology-focused community known as the Network School, located in the Forest City development in the state of Johor. The Prime Minister emphasized that Malaysia does not recognize Israel and does not allow its citizens to reside within Malaysian territory, stating that the government will not compromise on matters of national security or its established foreign policy position.
The controversy emerged after online reports and social media activity drew attention to the Network School, a co-living and co-working hub for startup founders and digital nomads. Concerns were raised that some participants might be using dual citizenship or second passports to enter Malaysia, bypassing the general restrictions on Israeli passport holders. In response to these claims, the Johor state government urged federal authorities, including the Home Ministry and the Immigration Department, to conduct a thorough investigation into the residency status and nationalities of those involved in the project.
While the Immigration Department reported that an initial inspection of 266 foreign nationals at the site found all individuals possessed valid travel documents, broader inquiries remain active. Prime Minister Anwar has expressed confidence in the relevant agencies to uncover the truth and has indicated that further explanations will be provided by the government. The situation highlights the intersection of Malaysia's strict non-recognition policy toward Israel and the complexities of managing international tech communities operating within the country's borders.