KUALA LUMPUR — The Home Ministry, through the Immigration Department, Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and relevant agencies, is conducting a comprehensive review and investigation into the operations of the “Network School” in Forest City, Johor, following allegations that it involved Israeli nationals.
In a statement today, the ministry said it had taken note of the Johor government’s statement on the matter, as well as concerns raised by the public over claims that individuals involved had used second-country passports to enter Malaysia, Bernama reported.
“The ministry views seriously any matter involving national security, compliance with immigration laws and the misuse of Malaysia’s immigration facilities.
“Therefore, the ministry through the Immigration Department, PDRM and relevant agencies is conducting a comprehensive review and investigation, including into the identities and nationalities of the individuals involved,” the ministry said.
The ministry said the investigation would also examine the validity and status of the travel documents used, the types of immigration passes or facilities granted, the purpose of entry into Malaysia, as well as compliance with requirements under immigration laws and other relevant legislation.
The ministry said it was also working closely with all relevant ministries and agencies to ensure that matters under their respective jurisdictions were thoroughly reviewed in accordance with existing legal provisions.
“The ministry is also working closely with all relevant ministries and agencies to ensure that all aspects under their respective jurisdictions are reviewed thoroughly in accordance with the provisions of the law currently in force,” it said.
The ministry added that firm action would be taken if investigations found any violations, including misuse of immigration passes, submission of false information or any offences that could jeopardise national security and interests.
“The ministry wishes to emphasise that the MADANI Government will not compromise against any individual or organisation that misuses the country’s immigration facilities or carries out activities that contravene the law and could threaten national security, public order and the sovereignty of the country,” the statement read.
The ministry also urged the public not to speculate on the matter, stressing that authorities should be allowed to conduct investigations professionally, transparently and in accordance with the law.
Earlier today, media reports stated that the Johor government had urged KDN and relevant agencies to investigate the operations of the “Network School” at Forest City, which was alleged to have involved Israeli participants.
Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said the individuals were believed to have used second-country passports to enter Malaysia to participate in the programme, raising concerns among members of the public.
Several posts, including a video on Threads, went viral yesterday questioning the purpose of the “Network School” operating in Forest City, amid claims that it involved foreign participants, including Israelis.
The probe comes amid broader discussions on foreign influence and national security.
In March, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said investigations by PDRM into an alleged attempt to destabilise the government had uncovered a movement involving local actors who leveraged media influence and international institutions, including what he described as prominent Zionist networks.
Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, said preliminary findings indicated that the movement was based abroad and had substantial financial backing to organise efforts against the government.
According to the initial reports, companies, organisations and individuals allegedly involved had held six meetings throughout 2025, both locally and overseas, with the aim of gathering information, influencing international roundtables and engaging non-governmental organisations to shape narratives against the government.
“They aimed to gather information and influence international roundtables and NGOs, then mobilise an international push, informing Bloomberg for further action,” he said, according to Bernama.
Anwar said the group had also reached out to foreign media organisations to question government initiatives, particularly investigations carried out by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), while using international networks to influence perceptions of Malaysia’s credibility.
He was responding to a question from Datuk Seri Shahidan Kasim (PN-Arau) during Ministers’ Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat regarding the status of the PDRM investigation into the alleged plot and its implications for parliamentary democracy.
Anwar said the alleged movement had sought to influence parliamentary questions through lawmakers, promote individuals under investigation and undermine public confidence in the country’s economy.
“This is not about a specific issue or criticising the prime minister, but about challenging the country’s entire system to topple the government. It concerns national security,” he said, adding that further details, including the alleged role of Zionist groups, would only be disclosed after investigations were completed.
In February 2025, Israeli national Shalom Avitan was sentenced to seven years’ imprisonment after pleading guilty to possessing six unlicensed firearms and 200 rounds of ammunition, which were discovered in a hotel room in Kuala Lumpur.
Avitan, 39, was arrested on March 28, 2024, at a hotel along Jalan Ampang. He was initially charged with possessing ammunition without a licence and later also faced an alternative charge of possessing six firearms without valid permits.
The weapons seized included several handguns, including Glock 19, Sig Sauer P320, Cougar 8000FT, Glock 17 Gen4, Smith & Wesson M&P 9C and Stoeger Cougar 8000F models.
He was sentenced by Sessions Court judge Mohd Zaki Mohd Salleh at the Kajang Prison Court Complex, with both charges ordered to run concurrently.
The offence was prosecuted under Section 8(a) of the Arms Act 1960, which carries a maximum penalty of seven years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to RM10,000, or both.
Avitan had initially claimed trial in April 2024 before changing his plea following representations made to the Attorney General’s Chambers.
During the case, his passport, 14 credit cards and four mobile phones were handed over to prison authorities.
Police and Israeli media reports previously stated that Avitan allegedly entered Malaysia to target a fellow Israeli believed to be linked to a rival crime syndicate. The case raised concerns over possible transnational criminal activity and highlighted security challenges involving the movement of foreign individuals and illegal weapons into the country. – July 14, 2026