AUTHORITIES carried out coordinated raids on 22 entertainment premises across Selangor and the capital on Saturday night, uncovering illegal operations involving foreign nationals, unlicensed alcohol sales, and the employment of guest relations officers (GROs) without valid documentation.
The Mega Entertainment Operation (Operasi Mega Pusat Hiburan) was spearheaded by the Bukit Aman Criminal Investigations Department’s Anti-Vice, Gambling and Secret Societies Division (D7), in collaboration with the Selangor and Kuala Lumpur D7 units, local authorities, and the Fire and Rescue Department.
According to Bukit Aman CID Director Datuk M Kumar, the operation began at 10.30pm and targeted 16 outlets in Selangor and six in Kuala Lumpur that had been converted into pubs and private KTV rooms.
"All of these premises are believed to have been operating without valid licences and were staffed by foreign workers without travel documents or work permits," he said in a statement on Sunday.
A total of 288 individuals, aged between 18 and 51, were detained. Among them were four venue managers, 21 counter staff, 26 workers, and 66 female Myanmar nationals believed to be working as GROs. Additionally, 170 foreign patrons from various countries were also arrested, as well as one individual allegedly responsible for managing the supply of alcoholic beverages.
The detainees are primarily from Myanmar, Nepal, and Bangladesh.
Police also seized cash, various entertainment and audio equipment, a range of alcoholic beverages, and operational documents during the raids.
"The individuals will be investigated under various laws, including Section 186 of the Penal Code, the Excise Act 1976, the Customs Act 1976, and the Immigration Act 1959/63," Kumar added.
He stressed that the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), particularly the Bukit Aman CID, views the operation of foreign-run illegal entertainment venues seriously, not only due to legal violations but also the threat posed to public order.
“PDRM will continue to intensify integrated enforcement operations nationwide and will not hesitate to act against any party involved. The public is encouraged to share information to assist in combating these activities,” he said. - August 10, 2025
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