Kota Bharu:The Kelantan government is contemplating the introduction of guidelines to restrict local residents from renting out their land and houses to foreigners, including Myanmar refugees, within the state.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, State Local Government, Housing, Health and Environment Committee chairman Hilmi Abdullah stated that his committee plans to consult with the Land and Mines Office (PTG) to devise suitable measures to regulate this issue.

Hilmi Abdullah emphasized that the initiative aims to prevent the development of foreign communities or enclaves that may disrupt local harmony. He highlighted the importance of raising public awareness on the matter, suggesting that avoiding renting properties to foreigners could help maintain social harmony.

During the state assembly's Budget 2027 debate at the Kota Darulnaim Complex, Hilmi elaborated that enforcement actions have already been taken against 47 premises run by foreign nationals this year by the Kota Bharu Islamic City Municipal Council's (MPKB-BRI) Enforcement Division. These premises include 29 operated by Pakistani nationals, 10 by Indonesians, and the remainder by Bangladeshis and Myanmar refugees.

The offences identified include breaches under Section 107(2) of Act 171, specifically related to violating business licence conditions issued by MPKB-BRI and operating without a valid business licence.