KUALA LUMPUR: Police have detained 14 individuals, including five Thai women believed to be Guest Relations Officers (GROs), during a series of raids on unlicensed entertainment outlets across the city early today.
The 2.30am to 5am operation, codenamed Op Noda, was conducted by the Kuala Lumpur police, targeting six outlets suspected of operating illegally and employing foreign workers without valid permits.
A total of 129 individuals aged between 23 and 50, comprising locals and foreigners from China, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Ireland, were screened during the coordinated raids.
Kuala Lumpur police chief Datuk Fadil Marsus said the operation was part of an ongoing effort to eradicate vice activities.
“We will not compromise with those who blatantly commit crimes,” he said when contacted.
He said their focus was on maintaining public order and curbing social ills that often stem from such illegal premises.
Fadil said all six outlets were found operating without entertainment and liquor licences and had exceeded permitted operating hours.
“Those arrested included six local men, one Bangladeshi man, five Thai women, and two Indonesian women aged between 22 and 45.
“Among the items confiscated were five business receipts, audio systems, four speakers, five bottles of liquor of various brands, and RM799 in cash,” he said.
Police have opened investigations under several provisions, including Section 4(1) of the Federal Territories Entertainment (Control of Places of Entertainment) Act, Sections 55B, 39(b) and 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63 and Section 76 of the Excise Act.
Fadil said all suspects and seized items have been handed over to investigation officers from the respective district police headquarters.
“Operations like this will be conducted regularly across Kuala Lumpur to ensure the city remains safe, orderly and free from immoral activities,” he added.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
