KUALA LUMPUR: Valid licences are being misused by some business operators for activities that go beyond what was approved, the Dewan Rakyat heard today.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories), Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa, said that while authorities issue licences strictly based on what applicants declare, some operators carry out activities that were never stated in their applications.
“We need meticulous planning for social issues like this. As for Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), when it comes to licensing, we do issue specific licences.
“When an application is submitted, we grant a licence based on what is stated in the paperwork. So, if the applicant states it is for the operation of a spa, we will approve it.
“However, the problem is that activities carried out after the licence is issued can fall outside our control, which is why we sometimes discover operations that differ from what was applied for,” she said during the question-and-answer session in the Lower House today.
She said this in response to a supplementary question from Datuk Mohd Isam Mohd Isa (BN-Tampin) regarding a recent raid at a spa and wellness outlet in Chow Kit, where 202 individuals were detained for allegedly engaging in immoral acts.
A total of 202 men were detained during the raid. Of these, 171 local men were released yesterday after a remand application against them was rejected.
Kuala Lumpur police chief Datuk Fadil Marsus said 31 foreigners had been remanded for two days to facilitate investigations.
He added that all those detained were investigated under Sections 377 and 372 of the Penal Code, but police were unable to proceed due to a lack of evidence.
Meanwhile, Dr Zaliha added that, as part of protective measures, the City Hall conducts regular monitoring and will carry out enforcement actions if complaints about irregular activities are received.
She also said the Kuala Lumpur Strike Force under the department conducts periodic checks.
“If a complaint is lodged, the committee will be activated to take immediate action.
“Within the committee, we work not only with City Hall but also with other agencies, including the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Department (JAWI), the Social Welfare Department (JKM) and the police.
“The follow-up actions depend on which agency is responsible for taking the next steps.”
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
