Bust of Chinese burglary gang sparks fears of crime surge in Malaysia amid visa-free policy

The incident, coupled with recent immigration scandals and the influx of Chinese tourists and investors, has fuelled concern about criminal activity in Malaysia

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On Monday, Malaysian police arrested six Chinese nationals and one local man believed to be part of a burglary gang active since January. Photo: Shutterstock

Published: 4:30pm, 9 Oct 2024Updated: 4:40pm, 9 Oct 2024

The arrest in Malaysia of six Chinese suspected burglars without legal entry documents has triggered fears of a rise in crime among some members of the public who say visa-free arrivals from China – and Malaysia’s own notoriously pliable border forces – are increasing the risks of criminals slipping into the country undetected.

Malaysian police on Monday said they arrested six Chinese nationals and one local man believed to be part of a burglary gang active since January.

The Chinese suspects, lacking valid travel documents, used rented cars to reach target houses identified by their Malaysian accomplice, police said, using proceeds from the stolen items to pay for their stay at three-star hotels.

Chinese citizens can visit Malaysia for up to 30 days without a visa, thanks to a policy change that coincides with the fiftieth anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two nations and driven by the Southeast Asian nation’s desire to attract more tourists and investors after the pandemic.

However, some Malaysians fear the influx of Chinese interest in the country could also bring crime and gang problems to a country already contending with a wave of cyber scam threats, mainly led by Chinese crime networks.

“Since more and more China investments and projects are going on in Malaysia, more and more Triad issues going to happen in Malaysia for sure,” read a Facebook comment by user Shan Nathan in response to a post on the Chinese burglary gang.