MPAJ: No foreigners on frontline

The Star

30-04-2025

FOREIGN workers are still manning counters at businesses in Ampang Jaya, Selangor, although this is not permitted, says Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ).
Its president Dr Ani Ahmad reminds business owners that foreigners are prohibited from serving in frontline roles, including at service counters.
She said MPAJ would be sending out reminders on the ruling to operators.
'This is a needed reminder as there are many instances where we find foreign workers manning the counters,' she said during the local council's monthly full board meeting at Menara MPAJ yesterday.
Licensing and Entrepreneurial Development Department director Addy Hissham Elias said only foreign workers with valid Immigration Department permits were allowed to work in any business.
'Even with a valid permit, they are not allowed to work in frontline positions like manning the counter.
'Only the business owner or a Malaysian employee is allowed to handle transactions.
'If violations are found, enforcement action can be taken,' he said.
Their response came after councillor Engku Faizan Azhar Che Engku Husin urged MPAJ to clarify its position following a new directive from Klang Royal City Council (MBDK) banning foreign workers from operating or working at food stalls and kiosks under its jurisdiction starting June 1.
MBDK states that only Malaysians are allowed to work at stalls and kiosks, regardless of whether the foreign workers had valid immigration permits.
On another matter, Ani said MPAJ recorded a 30.47% rise in assessment tax collection this year, with RM44.3mil collected as of March 31.
This is a RM10.3mil increase in collection compared to the same period last year, she added.
Based on MPAJ's 2025 Budget, Ani said the local council aimed to collect RM93mil in current assessment tax.
'The Revenue Department has taken action against defaulters by issuing Form E for assessment tax arrears for April in commercial and residential areas.
'This involves 566 accounts with total outstanding arrears amounting to RM556,976.93.'
The areas include Taman Pandan Perdana, Taman Bukit Pandan, Taman Mawar, Taman Bukit Permai, Kampung Cheras Baru and Taman Ukay Perdana.
'An assessment tax operation in Taman Melawati on April 23 recovered RM13,454.80 of the total RM43,795.50 in outstanding arrears,' the council chief disclosed.
At the close of the meeting, Ani said this was her final full board session as MPAJ president, as her tenure ended on April 30.
'I would like to take this opportunity to extend my heartfelt thanks to council members and all MPAJ staff for their support throughout my two years here.
'I hope the efforts to enhance MPAJ's tax and non-tax revenue, as well as its Endowment Fund, will continue in the future.
'There have been many memories and valuable experiences during my time at MPAJ, which I will carry with me to my next posting,' she said.
Ani was appointed MPAJ president in May 2023.
Prior to that, she was the former district officer of Hulu Langat.