Subscribe to our FREE Newsletter, or Telegram and WhatsApp channels for the latest stories and updates.
The Home Ministry (KDN) has launched an investigation into a Network School operating within Forest City, a large-scale development in Johor, after allegations emerged that Israeli nationals may have been involved — potentially using foreign passports to enter a country that does not recognise Israel.
The ministry said in a statement that it is working with the Immigration Department, police, and other relevant agencies to examine the identities and nationalities of those involved, the travel documents used, and whether immigration laws were violated.
KDN added that it takes seriously any matter affecting national security, compliance with immigration laws, and the misuse of Malaysia’s immigration facilities.
Stern action will be taken without compromise if investigations uncover any breaches of the law, abuse of immigration passes, submission of false information or other offences that could undermine national security and the country’s interests.
The investigation was triggered after videos circulated on social media platform Threads, questioning the purpose of the so-called Network School operating within Forest City — and alleging that participants included Israeli citizens.
A Full Audit — of People, Passports, and Purpose
A key concern raised by the ministry is the possibility that individuals entered Malaysia using passports from a third country.
Malaysian law bars Israeli passport holders from entering the country, and the two nations have no diplomatic relations.
The ministry said investigators will look into the validity of travel documents used, the purpose of entry, immigration passes or facilities granted, and whether all conditions under Malaysian immigration and related laws were met.
It warned that if violations are found — including the misuse of immigration documents, the provision of false information, or any act that threatens national security — action will be taken “without compromise.”
Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, fresh from his victory in the recent state election, has also called for a comprehensive probe.
A Location That Invites Questions
The development — a large-scale project by Chinese developer Country Garden, located at the southern tip of the Malaysian peninsula — has struggled with low occupancy and sits in a special economic zone with relatively fluid entry management.
It also sits directly across from Singapore, one of Asia’s most significant financial and strategic hubs, and hosts a large concentration of Chinese residents — a geography and demographics that carry their own strategic value.
Network School is a publicly known project with a documented membership and an open application process — an experimental co-living and co-learning tech commune founded by prominent Silicon Valley figure Balaji Srinivasan.
The investigation centres not on the community itself, but on whether specific individuals used third-country passports to enter Malaysia in a way that circumvented immigration restrictions barring Israeli nationals.
KDN urged the public not to speculate in ways that could interfere with the investigation, adding that it is monitoring a separate statement issued by the Johor state government on the matter.
@anchalexplores A day in the life of Anchal at Network School ✨ Network School – a startup co-living community on an island near Singapore where you learn , burn and earn through daily crypto bounties, and have fun building with actual founders in paradise. [ a day in my life, fyp, healthy lifestyle, healthy eating habits, beach views, dinner before sunset, a startup community, co living space, digital nomad, tech lifestyle, fitness, beach life, island living, remote work ] #networkschool #heyanchal #digitalnomadlife #community ♬ original sound – Anchal Kolekar – Anchal | Travel & Expat life
Share your thoughts with us via TRP’s Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or Threads.