Authorities nab over 100 in prostitution crackdown
IPOH – In a successful operation conducted by the Immigration Department, over 100 individuals have been arrested in a crackdown on prostitution dens and entertainment outlets offering sexual services. The operation, which took place on Friday at 11pm, resulted in the arrests of 141 people, including foreign women, men of various nationalities, and local individuals believed to be caretakers of the premises.
Deputy director-general (operations) Jafri Embok Taha disclosed that the operation involved Immigration officers as well as members from Perak, Putrajaya, Kuala Lumpur, Johor, and Perlis. The arrests were made at two prostitution dens and three entertainment outlets. Among those apprehended were 117 foreign women and 13 men, aged between 18 and 36, along with a stateless man.
In a press conference held at the state Home Affairs Ministry Complex in Meru Raya, Jafri revealed that the authorities confiscated various items during the operation. These included condoms, sex toys, documents, business records, keys, closed-circuit camera (CCTV) equipment, mobile phones, passports, and approximately RM14,155 in cash.
According to Jafri, the modus operandi of the two prostitution dens involved promoting foreign women through their photographs on platforms like Telegram and WhatsApp. Customers would then be brought to the premises, with fees ranging from RM200 to RM500. As for the outcall girls, the charges were higher, ranging from RM800 to RM1,000. Payment was accepted in cash or through online transactions prior to the woman’s arrival.
Regarding the three entertainment outlets, Jafri explained that the services were primarily targeted at regular customers who made reservations over the phone. Customers were charged between RM800 and RM10,000 for room reservations, depending on the category, while the women were charged RM150 for one hour of service. The outlets had been operating for approximately a year, making monthly profits of about RM24,000.
Investigations revealed that the detained Chinese, Vietnamese, Thai, Indonesian, and Myanmar individuals possessed valid social visit, special, temporary work visit, and employment passes. However, others did not possess any valid travel documents or passports allowing them to be in the country. The foreign nationals were arrested for suspected offenses under the Immigration Act, the Passport Act, and Immigration Regulations. They were taken to the state Immigration Department headquarters at the Home Affairs Ministry Complex for further action before being transferred to the Immigration depot at Langkap.
Additionally, seven local men and three local women were arrested under Section 56 (1)(d) of the Immigration Act. Jafri also stated that 69 local men, two Bangladeshi nationals, and a local woman have been notified to come forward and assist with the ongoing investigations.
The successful operation clearly demonstrates the commitment of the authorities to combat illicit activities within the country. The crackdown on prostitution dens and entertainment outlets offering sexual services goes a long way in maintaining public safety and upholding the law. The Immigration Department’s efforts, supported by officers from various regions, have sent a strong message that such activities will not be tolerated.
The arrested individuals will now undergo further legal proceedings in accordance with the appropriate regulations. The Immigration Department’s diligence serves as a reminder that they are resolute in their mission to ensure the security and well-being of the nation’s citizens and residents.
As the investigation progresses, authorities encourage the public to report any suspicious activities or provide relevant information that may aid in the ongoing efforts to combat such illegal operations. The collaboration between authorities and the general public is crucial in maintaining a safe and secure environment for all.
