A prostitution syndicate operating out of a budget hotel was exposed after authorities discovered that sexual services were being promoted online, with bookings made through WhatsApp and Telegram. Customers reportedly paid between RM190 and RM960 depending on the nationality of the women involved.
The operation was uncovered when the Immigration Department of Malaysia (JIM) arrested 29 foreign nationals and four locals during Ops Gegar raids at three locations around Klang and Puchong yesterday.
According to JIM, the enforcement team from the Immigration Department headquarters in Putrajaya first raided a hotel in Klang at 3.20 pm.
“In that raid, 13 foreign women were detained, including five Thai, six Indonesian, and two Vietnamese women suspected of offering sex services. Two other Indonesian women working as cleaners without valid permits were also arrested. All were aged between 19 and 53.
“The syndicate’s modus operandi involved advertising services on websites. Clients would book via WhatsApp or Telegram before being directed to rooms on the first floor of the hotel. Charges for the services ranged from RM190 to RM960, depending on the nationality of the women. Two local men believed to be caretakers of the women were also detained,” JIM said in a statement today.
Later, at 5.30 pm, simultaneous raids were conducted at two reflexology centers in Puchong.
“During inspections of 25 individuals, 16 foreign women were arrested, consisting of nine Thais, four Myanmar nationals, two Laotians, and one Chinese national. All were aged between 20 and 37. Two locals were also arrested on suspicion of employing foreigners without valid passes,” the department added.
All detainees were taken to the Putrajaya Immigration Depot for further investigation under the Immigration Act 1959/63, the Passport Act 1966, and the Immigration Regulations 1963.
“The Immigration Department will continue to take firm action against anyone found guilty of violating the Immigration Act, Passport Act, Immigration Regulations, and the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007 (ATIPSOM),” JIM stressed.
