KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia remains firm in its decision not to recognise travel documents issued by Israel for entry into the country, as authorities move to strengthen border controls following concerns over the possible entry of Israeli nationals using alternative passports.
The Home Ministry (KDN) said it would continue beefing up border security by ensuring immigration screening, law enforcement and national security measures were carried out strictly and without compromise, Bernama reported.
The issue has gained public attention following reports that Israeli nationals may have joined the “Network School” project at Forest City, Johor, by entering Malaysia using passports issued by other countries.
The technology-focused commune, founded in 2024 by American investor Balaji Srinivasan, was introduced as part of efforts to revitalise Forest City, a large-scale development previously criticised as a “ghost town”. The project, which reportedly received investments exceeding RM100 million, has also been linked to a planned RM500 million expansion that is currently on hold.
At the centre of the controversy is Malaysia’s long-standing policy of not recognising Israeli passports, in line with the country’s position of having no diplomatic relations with Israel and its support for the Palestinian cause.
While Israeli passport holders are not permitted to enter Malaysia, concerns have been raised over the possibility of individuals with dual citizenship using travel documents from another country to bypass existing restrictions.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has said that any Israeli nationals found to have entered the country in violation of regulations would be deported immediately, while immigration authorities continue investigations into possible misuse of travel documents.
In a statement today, KDN said it “takes note of and fully supports the firm stance of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim regarding Malaysia’s position towards Israel, as well as the country’s commitment to defending the rights of the Palestinian people and safeguarding national interests”.
The ministry said every application by foreign nationals seeking entry into Malaysia would undergo immigration checks, security screening and comprehensive risk assessments.
KDN said the Immigration Department of Malaysia (JIM) would continue enforcing relevant laws governing foreign entry, including the Immigration Act 1959/63 [Act 155], Passports Act 1966 [Act 150], existing immigration regulations and security evaluations conducted by national security agencies.
Individuals deemed capable of threatening national security, public order or national interests, including those classified as prohibited immigrants under Section 8 of the Immigration Act 1959/63, would be denied entry or subjected to appropriate action under Malaysian law, it said.
The controversy has also attracted criticism from some United States officials and investors, who argued that broad restrictions based on nationality could affect Malaysia’s appeal as a destination for technology investment and innovation.
“Excluding talent based on nationality sends the wrong signal to investors,” one US statement said, warning that such measures could affect Malaysia’s reputation as a regional hub for technology and education.
According to KDN, border management extends beyond immigration procedures and forms part of an integrated national security framework involving the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), National Security Council (MKN), Malaysia Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS), and other relevant enforcement bodies.
The ministry said it would continue enhancing border security through the use of technology, intelligence sharing, risk profiling and coordinated enforcement to ensure Malaysia remained safe, sovereign and protected from threats that could undermine national security.
At least eight Israeli citizens have been detained at Kuala Lumpur International Airport in recent months, some holding dual nationality while others carried only Israeli passports, Israeli news outlet ynet claimed in a report.
The travellers were either visiting Malaysia or passing through on connecting flights to other Asian destinations, amid Israel and Malaysia lacking formal diplomatic ties.
Malaysian authorities have in recent years uncovered several cases involving Israeli nationals and alleged intelligence-linked activities in the country.
In March 2024, police arrested an Israeli man in Kuala Lumpur who was found with six firearms and hundreds of rounds of ammunition. Investigations later revealed that several locals had allegedly assisted him by procuring the weapons and facilitating his movements.
Earlier, in 2022, police foiled an alleged operation linked to Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency involving the abduction of a Palestinian computer expert in the capital. The victim was reportedly kidnapped by a group of Malaysians believed to have been recruited and trained abroad, before being rescued by authorities.
Investigations into the case pointed to the existence of a broader network, with locals allegedly used as intermediaries in surveillance and operational roles.
Malaysia was also the site of the 2018 killing of Palestinian lecturer Fadi al-Batsh in Kuala Lumpur, an incident Hamas attributed to Mossad, although Israel has denied involvement. – July 28, 2026