IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT DETAINS 139 FOREIGNERS IN KL ANTI-VICE RAIDS

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 7 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Immigration Department (JIM) today arrested 139 foreign nationals in raids on 13 premises across the federal capital, allegedly linked to prostitution and other immoral activities.

JIM Enforcement Division director Basri Othman said the operation, which began at 11.30 am, targeted areas frequented by tourists and foreigners, namely Jalan Petaling, Jalan Imbi and Jalan Pudu.

“A total of 205 individuals were screened during the operation, resulting in the arrest of 139 foreigners for immigration offences and 20 local men believed to be acting as ‘captains’ or caretakers of the premises.

“The foreigners arrested comprised 27 men and 112 women, aged between 20 and 65, from Indonesia, Myanmar, Bangladesh, India, Nepal and Sri Lanka,” he told reporters after the operation.

According to Basri, the establishments offered services starting from RM60 per session to both foreign and local customers, with the women working on-site while their accommodation was rented elsewhere.

He said that investigations revealed the premises operated round the clock in two shifts, from 6 am to 6 pm and continuing until the next day, allowing customers to walk in without prior booking.

“The inspection also revealed that the premises had been unlawfully modified with the construction of partitions. We will forward this information to the relevant local authority for enforcement action,” he said.

Basri said investigations would be conducted to determine whether the activities at all the premises were being carried out by a single syndicate.

He added that all foreign detainees were taken to the KLIA, Beranang and Semenyih Immigration Depots for documentation and further action.

--BERNAMA