FOURTEEN foreign women suspected of working as guest relations officers (GROs) were detained during a targeted operation at an entertainment centre in Desa Sri Hartamas on Tuesday, Malaysian Immigration Department (JIM) Kuala Lumpur director Wan Mohammed Saupee Wan Yusoff confirmed.
Initial investigations revealed that clients paid tips ranging from RM200 to RM500 for the services of women in their 30s and 40s.
“Preliminary investigations suggest the foreign women involved were approaching patrons as companions for entertainment,” Wan Mohammed said.
“Based on early information, the tips received by these women were reportedly dependent on the level of service provided.”
The operation, dubbed Ops Gegar, encountered attempts by some individuals to evade authorities, including hiding in toilet facilities, though all were eventually apprehended.
Authorities also detained a local man believed to be acting as an employer for some of the foreign women.
In total, 21 individuals were screened, resulting in 16 arrests: one Malaysian man, one Bangladeshi man, and 14 women comprising nine Indonesians, four Filipinas, one Bangladeshi, and one Thai.
All detainees were taken to the Kuala Lumpur Immigration Depot for further investigation under Regulation 39(b) of the Immigration Regulations 1963 and Section 56(1)(l) of the Immigration Act 1959/63. - November 19, 2025
