Malaysia to deport Israeli nationals if Forest City Network School allegations are confirmed, says Anwar
Malaysia will immediately deport any Israeli nationals found to be involved in the Network School programme at Johor's Forest City if investigations confirm their presence, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said, as federal and state authorities intensify investigations into the allegations.
- Malaysia says any Israeli nationals confirmed to be involved in the Network School will be deported immediately.
- Federal and Johor authorities are investigating immigration, regulatory and operational aspects of the programme.
- Forest City has pledged full cooperation and says it maintains zero tolerance for any breach of Malaysian law.
JOHOR, MALAYSIA: Malaysia will immediately deport any Israeli nationals found to be involved in the Network School "digital nomad" community in Johor's Forest City if ongoing investigations confirm their presence, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said.
Anwar said the government was treating the allegations seriously and reiterated that Malaysia does not recognise Israel. He said the matter had been handed to the relevant authorities for investigation and stressed that appropriate action would follow should any wrongdoing be established.
"The matter has been left to the relevant agencies, and I believe the Higher Education Minister will explain," Anwar told reporters during a community event on 15 July.
"If any wrongdoing is found, action must be taken. If there are Israeli nationals involved, they will be deported immediately because Malaysia does not recognise Israel.
"We are investigating the matter, and we will not allow it," he said.
Johor seeks comprehensive investigation
The Prime Minister's remarks came a day after Johor Menteri Besar Onn Hafiz Ghazi called on the Home Ministry and relevant federal agencies to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the operations of the Network School following allegations that Israeli nationals had participated in its programmes.
According to Onn Hafiz, Johor would not allow any party to use the state as a base for ideologies, movements or activities that were contrary to Malaysian law, national sovereignty or the interests of Johor.
He said investigators should verify the identities and nationalities of individuals involved, examine their travel documents and investigate allegations that some participants may have entered Malaysia using passports issued by a second country.
Authorities have also been asked to determine the types of immigration passes used, the declared purpose of entry into Malaysia and whether participants' actual activities were consistent with those declarations.
In addition, the Higher Education Ministry, Digital Ministry and other relevant regulatory agencies have been tasked with determining the legal status of the Network School's operations and whether its programmes required registration or approval under Malaysian law.
Onn Hafiz said Johor viewed the matter seriously and would continue to safeguard the state's interests and uphold national sovereignty in accordance with the law.
Forest City pledges cooperation
Forest City developer Country Garden Pacificview Sdn Bhd said it fully supported the government's investigations and would cooperate with all relevant enforcement agencies.
In a statement, the company said it would not allow its development to be used for any ideology, movement or activity that contravened Malaysian law or threatened the sovereignty of Johor and the country.
"Forest City is prepared to provide full cooperation to the Home Affairs Ministry, the Malaysian Immigration Department, the police, the Customs Department, local authorities and related agencies in any investigation," the company said.
The developer added that it would provide all documents requested by the authorities to facilitate and expedite investigations and would continue assisting enforcement agencies throughout the process.
It also reaffirmed a zero-tolerance policy towards breaches of the law, misuse of its premises, violations of immigration regulations or any activities that could undermine public safety, public order or national interests.
"If the authorities find any violation of the law, immigration regulations, licensing conditions, land use or agreements, Forest City will fully exercise its rights in laws and contracts," the statement said.
The company added that it remained committed to compliance, transparency and responsible management in accordance with Malaysian law.
Allegations draw public attention
The investigation follows growing public concern after posts, including a video shared on the social media platform Threads, questioned the purpose of the Network School's operations in Forest City.
The posts alleged that the residential technology community was attended primarily by foreign participants, including Israeli nationals who had entered Malaysia using passports from a second country.
The allegations prompted the Johor government on 14 July to formally request federal authorities to investigate the programme's operations and participants.
At this stage, authorities have not announced any findings, and investigations remain ongoing.
About the Network School
The Network School is a private technology-focused residential community established in Forest City, Gelang Patah, in 2024. It was founded by former Coinbase chief technology officer and investor Balaji Srinivasan.
The community offers accommodation, shared meals, co-working facilities and recreational amenities, including a gym, for participants seeking a technology and digital-focused living environment.
Its operations have now come under scrutiny as Malaysian authorities investigate whether immigration requirements, regulatory approvals and other legal obligations have been fully complied with, alongside allegations involving the participation of Israeli nationals.
