Five foreign women believed to be working as masseuses were detained during a joint enforcement operation at a business premises along Jalan Tun Jugah on Saturday.
The raid was carried out at approximately 2.45pm by officers from the D7 Branch of the Sarawak Criminal Investigation Department (CID) together with personnel from the Sarawak Labour Department.
Kuching district police chief ACP Alexson Naga Chabu said investigations revealed that the premises was suspected of operating without a valid business licence.
During inspections, authorities detained five foreign women aged between 23 and 38 who were believed to be employed as masseuses at the premises.
Further checks found that two of the women allegedly did not possess valid work permits or Temporary Employment Visit Passes (PLKS).
The remaining three women were unable to produce valid travel documents when requested by enforcement officers.
Police also seized several items during the operation, including two passports, a packet of condoms and RM484 in cash.
Authorities are investigating the case under Regulation 39(b) of the Immigration Regulations 1963 for allegedly breaching conditions attached to immigration passes or permits issued by the authorities.
Those found guilty may face legal action, including fines, imprisonment or both.
The case is also being investigated under Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63 for entering or remaining in Malaysia without valid travel or immigration documents.
Under the law, offenders may face a fine of up to RM10,000, imprisonment of up to five years, or both. The offence may also carry whipping upon conviction.
Alexson said police would continue stepping up enforcement operations against premises suspected of employing foreign nationals without valid permits and businesses found to be operating in violation of existing laws.
He stressed that strict action would be taken against individuals and business operators who fail to comply with immigration and licensing regulations.
