A three-star hotel along Jalan Ipoh in Kuala Lumpur was recently uncovered as the centre of a prostitution ring that had been running quietly for the past year. The discreet setup catered to walk-in clients and accepted bookings via WhatsApp, with services priced between RM250 and RM400 an hour (approximately S$71 to S$113).
The Immigration Department’s Special Intelligence and Operations Division conducted the raid last Friday night, detaining 36 foreigners aged between 19 and 61. According to Immigration director-general Datuk Zakaria Shaaban, the arrests included men and women from Myanmar, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, India and Laos. Many were found to have overstayed their visas, misused entry passes, or lacked valid travel documents altogether. Seized items included multiple passports from Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia.
Authorities believe the hotel had been operating as a brothel since September last year. Seven local men were also served notices to assist with the ongoing investigation. All detainees have since been transferred to the Immigration headquarters in Putrajaya for further action.
Immigration Raids in Other States
In a separate operation on Saturday, enforcement officers raided an entertainment outlet in Nilai, Negeri Sembilan. The venue, reportedly run by Myanmar nationals, was discovered to operate mainly on weekends and catered exclusively to patrons from Myanmar.
A total of 21 women, aged between 25 and 40, were detained. Investigations revealed that customers were required to purchase liquor before being able to hire hostesses at rates ranging between RM150 and RM200 (S$43 to S$56). One woman is believed to have acted as the caretaker of the premises, while the rest served as hostesses.
Six Myanmar nationals – five men and one woman – were issued notices to assist with investigations. The detainees have been sent to Putrajaya as part of the immigration probe.
Clampdown on Human Trafficking and Illegal Employment
These raids highlight ongoing challenges faced by Malaysian authorities in combating human trafficking, illegal sex work, and the employment of undocumented migrants. Immigration enforcement has stepped up in recent years, with frequent operations targeting hotels, massage parlours and entertainment outlets suspected of fronting illicit activities.
Officials have emphasised that businesses found complicit in such syndicates will face strict penalties, including fines, revocation of operating licences, and possible criminal charges. The public is urged to report any suspicious establishments to curb vice-related activities and protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation.
Image left: The Star