Malaysia confirms tech community residents hold valid travel documents amid immigration review
Malaysia's Immigration Department has confirmed that members of a technology-focused residential community founded by former Coinbase Chief Technology Officer Balaji Srinivasan possess valid travel documents, following public scrutiny over the status of some foreign participants.
The statement comes after authorities launched an investigation into allegations circulating on social media claiming that Israeli nationals were residing at the community in violation of Malaysian immigration rules.
Authorities continue immigration checks
According to the Immigration Department, officials inspected 266 foreign nationals representing 40 countries and found that all held valid travel documentation.
While the initial review did not uncover irregularities regarding entry documents, immigration authorities said additional checks would continue to verify compliance with all applicable visa, permit and immigration regulations.
Director-General Zakaria Shaaban stated that investigators would examine any new information suggesting identity fraud, misuse of travel documents or violations of immigration conditions.
Social media claims trigger official inquiry
The investigation was prompted by online allegations that participants at The Network School had entered Malaysia using passports issued by countries other than Israel.
Malaysia does not maintain diplomatic relations with Israel and prohibits entry using Israeli passports. However, the country's immigration framework does not specifically prohibit Israeli citizens from entering with valid passports issued by another country, provided they satisfy existing immigration requirements.
Authorities have not announced any findings indicating that immigration laws were breached.
The Network School based in Malaysia's Forest City
The Network School was established in 2024 by technology investor and entrepreneur Balaji Srinivasan. The initiative describes itself as a community designed to bring together entrepreneurs, technology professionals and digital innovators in a shared physical environment.
Although Srinivasan previously described the project as being located "near Singapore," Malaysian authorities confirmed that it operates from Forest City, a large mixed-use development in Johor state.
The project has attracted international attention as an experiment in creating technology-focused residential communities that combine remote work, entrepreneurship and startup collaboration.
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