KUALA LUMPUR authorities conducted a large-scale immigration raid over the weekend, uncovering an extensive prostitution network operating across several locations in the city’s central districts.
The operation, carried out jointly by the Putrajaya and Johor branches of the Malaysian Immigration Department (JIM) as part of Op Gegar, led to the detention of 139 suspected undocumented migrants, including 112 women, as well as 20 local men alleged to be managing the premises.
Among those detained was a 30-year-old heavily pregnant Indonesian woman who tearfully explained that she was forced to work at the premises to earn extra income for her family.
“Please, tonight I want to go home. I have already bought a ferry ticket to Batam,” she pleaded. She said her husband in Indonesia was unaware of her work, adding, “I came here because a friend told me there was work. One day, I see five to six customers,” she said, her voice trembling.
She is a mother of three children.
The operation, which began at 11.30 am on Sunday, targeted multiple establishments along Jalan Petaling, as well as Jalan Imbi and Jalan Pudu.
Investigators noted that the two-storey premises had been modified with small rooms where women waited for clients.
There was even an incident in which foreign men attempted to forcibly remove four women from one of the locations by car.
Basri Othman, Director of the Immigration Enforcement Division, said the raids concluded around 1.30 pm after inspecting 13 premises.
“Apart from detaining 112 foreign women aged between 20 and 50 suspected of engaging in immoral activities, we also arrested 20 local men believed to be ‘captains’ managing the premises. Preliminary investigations indicate the operations targeted both local and foreign customers, charging RM60 per session, with the women working in shifts every 12 hours,” he told reporters.
Basri added that investigations will determine whether the establishments are connected to a single syndicate.
Authorities are also examining the roles of the local men for complicity and will provide information to relevant parties to ensure legal action is taken against the premises.
“Immigration will continue operations in these areas, which are frequented by foreign tourists, to prevent similar activities in the future. Owners are warned not to rent their premises for illicit purposes, and we will track down those involved,” Basri said.
The raids highlight ongoing concerns over human trafficking and illegal sex work in tourist-heavy zones, as well as the vulnerability of migrant women, including those in precarious circumstances such as pregnancy, to exploitation. - December 7, 2025
