Foreign workers in Janda Baik expand into shops and farms, sparking local worries

Janda Baik, a scenic settlement near the Titiwangsa Range, is seeing an influx of foreign nationals from Indonesia, Nepal, Pakistan and Bangladesh who are moving beyond tourism jobs into local commerce and agriculture. Villagers say these newcomers operate small shops, eateries and rent land from local owners, earning up to four times their investment from crops. Some Pakistani entrepreneurs provide low-cost grass-cutting services, prompting complaints of unfair competition, while larger gatherings of Nepalese residents have been noted for alcohol consumption.

A resident named Ahmad, who leads the local association, warned that the village could become a de-facto foreign settlement within a decade. Another resident, Razlan, highlighted safety issues caused by dogs used to guard the rented fields. Although the Immigration Department has conducted operations, locals demand stronger enforcement to curb activities beyond the tourism sector.